MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson reminded his fellow senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to refrain from filing motions or pleadings, saying those actions should be left to the prosecution and defense panels.

“VP Impeachment Jurisdiction: A gentle caution to senator-judges of the impeachment court — we should leave the filing of all motions and pleadings to the prosecution and defense teams. Our job is to listen to their arguments and counter-arguments and make a ruling,” Lacson said in a post on X.

Lacson issued the statement as discussions swirl around a possible motion from Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who reportedly intends to ask the 20th Congress whether it should proceed with the impeachment trial.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol earlier said such a move could spark intense debates and raise questions about the scope of a senator-judge’s role in the proceedings.

Lacson maintained that the motion to dismiss the case, if any, should come from the defense—not a sitting senator-judge. He emphasized that senator-judges must remain impartial, act judicially, and avoid expressing personal views during the trial.

“Senator-judges should behave and speak like judges—be impartial, speak only to clarify statements from the prosecution and defense, and not express personal opinions on the case,” he added, stressing the importance of public perception in the trial process.