During the impeachment trial in the Senate, Senator Win Gatchalian sat beside Senator Chiz Escudero, who was chosen to preside over the proceedings. This reminded observers of a pedicab or jeepney driver whose wife collects fares and gives change—the driver just drives. Similarly, Gatchalian merely sat beside Escudero, doing nothing, while Escudero presided over the trial, ruled on motions from the prosecution and defense, and controlled the proceedings. Gatchalian was seen writing notes, looking up, sighing, and looking around, appearing like a statue with no real role. This raises questions about whether Gatchalian is fit to be Senate President.
Legal Issues Surrounding the Impeachment Trial
Numerous legal issues have emerged in the impeachment trial. The process of the House Committee on Justice has been questioned, as it was supposed to only receive and judge evidence from the prosecution, but instead conducted a mini-trial, effectively doing the Senate's job. Even the number of votes needed for conviction is disputed, as well as the process of selecting the Senate President and the presiding officer for the trial. The Supreme Court is expected to decide on these matters, but in the past, it has been slow to act on similar cases. Until the Supreme Court rules, these questions remain unresolved.
The INC Rally and Marcoleta's Arrest
Many are confused by recent events. When news broke that Senator Marcoleta would be arrested, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) suddenly held a massive rally. Many believed this would create a groundswell to oust President BBM. But the rally quickly fizzled out, and the hope that BBM would be removed vanished like smoke. Indeed, Marcoleta was arrested and is now in jail. Why was the rally stopped, given that it was supposedly centered on Marcoleta's plunder case? Will the INC allow Marcoleta to rot in jail while his case is being heard? Previously, the INC expressed opposition to the impeachment, saying there were more important things for the government to do. But now the impeachment has proceeded. Has the INC changed its position on the impeachment? If so, what is the reason?
