Netizens are questioning Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s remarks on the possibility of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointing a successor to Vice President Sara Duterte should she be removed from office through impeachment, with some commenters speculating about the senator’s own political ambitions.
“Nahuli sa bibig si pinky, gusto n’yang mag-vice president,” one Mich Kita remarked, referring to Lacson.
The reactions came following an October 26 article by GMA News on the differing views of senators regarding the possibility of a senator-judge being appointed vice president following a conviction in the impeachment trial.
It reported Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s earlier statement vowing to refuse the position due to a potential conflict of interest.
Lacson, meanwhile, noted that the President has the prerogative to appoint a potential successor from either the Senate or the House of Representatives, should Duterte be removed from public office.
Lacson’s remark drew comments from netizens, who questioned whether political ambition might be influencing the way senator-judges are approaching their responsibilities in the impeachment court.
Several netizens pointed out what they perceived as the senator’s eagerness for the position.
“May ambisyon si pinky,” netizen Marcus Salvahe wrote.
“Atat na atat si pinky,” one Robert Cruz also commented.
Some readers called for principle over personal interests, including one Alfonzo Hernandez, who warned against being “pinakasugapa.”
Others even speculated that the trial may have been decided from the beginning.
“Umpisa pa lang kasi may hatol na, y’ung trial for formality na lang,” Facebook user Cain commented.
*Public confidence in the impeachment trial*
The online reactions reveal the fragility of public confidence in the impeachment trial, especially the need to address question of whether a senator-judge could stand to benefit politically from a decision to convict and remove an impeachable official.
According to the GMA News report, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said senator-judges should decide the impeachment case on its merits, without the prospect of political advancement serving as an incentive.
In a separate Facebook post on Tuesday, he maintained his appeal for all senator-judges to publicly state their commitment to impartiality and political neutrality, backed with actions.
“They (Filipinos) deserve to know that those judging her case have put personal advantage aside… Everyone wants justice, but we cannot excuse an unfair process simply because it produces the result we want,” he said.