Kiko Pangilinan on being 'impeachment manager:' Nothing final yet

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said Thursday there is nothing final yet on the suggestion that he act as an "impeachment manager" for the possible impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.

"Pinag-aaralan ko pa," Pangilinan told reporters. "It's just a suggestion...It was discussed but nothing has been finalized."

(I am still studying it. It's just a suggestion. It was discussed but nothing has been finalized.)

On Wednesday, Senate President Pro-Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III is eyeing to appoint Pangilinan as an "impeachment manager" for the possible impeachment trial of Duterte, citing the Kiko's background as a lawyer.

Lacson said this is in line with the suggestion of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri. He said impeachment manager will serve as "a defacto majority leader" who will steer the trial.

"Mostly administrative. Just for the smooth orderly proceedings," said Pangilinan.

According to Pangilinan, the Senate would have to amend the impeachment rules to formally create the role of impeachment court administrator.

"Pinagaaralan ko pa...ayaw ko madiskaril yung mga bills na pending, 'yung agri coops, agri extension service, 'yung agri com, lahat ng agri dahil 'yun naman talaga ang ating dahilan bakit tayo nanalo. 'Yun ang pinangako ko sa ating mga botante," he added.

(I am still studying it. I don't want to derail the passage of agriculture bills because that is the reason why we were elected. That was our promise to the voters.)

The Articles of Impeachment has already reached the House plenary on Tuesday, May 5, and was included in the House’s Order or Business on May 6, Wednesday, making it eligible for a House plenary vote.

The House plenary vote on the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte is expected to be conducted on May 11.

At least a third or 106 of all the 318 House members need to vote in favor of the Articles of Impeachment for Duterte to be impeached and for the case to proceed to trial before the Senate impeachment court. — RSJ, GMA News