MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson reminded his colleagues to observe proper conduct and neutrality should the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte be transmitted to the Senate.

In a DZBB radio interview, Lacson said senators must avoid behavior that could be perceived as favoring either the prosecution or the defense, stressing the importance of impartiality in a potential impeachment court.

“We must understand that we should not be perceived as part of the prosecution or defense panel. We must listen to the prosecution teams and the cross-examinations of the prosecution witnesses by the defense team and vice versa – all while taking down notes to help us reach an informed decision,” Lacson said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“We speak only if we have clarificatory questions to ask. We cannot sound like members of the prosecution or defense panel, that would not be good,” he added.

Lacson said senators are expected to discuss in the coming days the possible impeachment trial, including the proposed schedule meant to balance legislative work and trial proceedings.

He also expressed sympathy for Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who would preside over the proceedings if the trial proceeds.

“SP Sotto has a heavy load on his shoulders. I can only sympathize with him because he potentially must rule whether to sustain or overrule objections to questions by either prosecution or defense,” Lacson said.

Despite the anticipated challenges, Lacson said his decisions would be guided solely by evidence and impeachment rules.

“I will be fair, that’s why I don’t comment on the merits of the issue. I will follow whatever evidence will come out, along with the rules of the impeachment proceedings. I will not look at any other factors,” he said.

Lacson earlier exchanged remarks with former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, who had identified him and other senators as possible votes for conviction in the event of an impeachment trial.

Panelo had also named Senators Vicente Sotto III, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as potential votes for conviction.

Lacson criticized the remarks, saying they preempted the senators’ judgment.

“We are capable of discernment so he should not prejudge us. It is complete nonsense to say four senators are sure to convict the Vice President,” he said.