Sotto: Sen. Miriam taught me that senator-judges can't make motions

MANILA, Philippines — The late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago told her colleagues that senator-judges, during an impeachment trial, cannot make motions and may only ask for clarifications, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Friday.

In a message to reporters, Sotto said the Senate’s decision to remand the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, based on a motion raised by a senator-judge, was “flawed,” as only the defense and prosecution are allowed to file motions.

“Sen. Miriam, who was a former RTC (Regional Trial Court) judge, taught me that in the 11th Congress,” Sotto said.

“Senator-judges can only ask questions for clarification,” he added.

“I suggest that the present crop of senators, especially the newer ones, read our records and debates in the 11th Congress when the first impeachment was well-discussed by Miriam and others. The reason for the robe and the decorum. Aral-aral muna bago putak! (Study first before speaking nonsense!)” he added.

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[plhbg1]

what miriam said is not on the rules, she only mentioned it as taboo move because making motions can be interpreted as being bias, so no rules are broken so far, only misinterpretation is activated which can lead to heavy bashing like what tito sotto just did