Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano pressed the case for allowing detained Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, arguing that their detention should not erase their duties as senator-judges.
Cayetano raised the issue during his Kontra-SONA speech before the Senate plenary. Both lawmakers belong to the minority bloc he leads and are being held over separate non-bailable plunder cases.
“I believe Senator Jinggoy and Senator Marcoleta are political prisoners. And that if it wasn’t weaponized, they will be able to at least go out on bail,” Cayetano said.
“Sabihin niyo na mali ako but should they be allowed to attend the impeachment,” he added.
Estrada previously asked the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division to let him attend the proceedings. The court rejected the request for lack of merit, finding that the trial did not qualify as an emergency or compelling temporary leave and that the recurring arrangement would weaken the restrictions imposed by lawful detention.
Marcoleta separately asked the impeachment court to recognize his vote and find a way for him and Estrada to participate while detained. His request has been referred to the Senate for consideration.
Cayetano broadened his argument beyond physical attendance and questioned whether the administration was applying justice evenly to political allies and opponents.
“Sabihin niyo na mali ako, [na] they are not political prisoners, but are they getting the justice? Pantay-pantay ba ang hustisya o selective justice po tayo ngayon?” Cayetano said.
“Sabi ng Pangulo, I am President not only of my family, but can we add, the President is also not only the President of the administration, he is also President of the opposition,” he added.
The two senators remain accused in separate criminal cases and have not been convicted in those proceedings.
