MANILA – Former senator Leila de Lima has expressed opposition to proposals allowing senators under detention to participate remotely in Senate proceedings, saying the measure could create unequal treatment and be used to benefit lawmakers facing serious cases.

De Lima, who was detained from 2017 to 2023 over drug charges that were later dismissed, said she herself was not allowed to attend Senate sessions via teleconferencing even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said that during her detention, she was advised by then Senate leadership to secure a court order, but her request was not granted by the courts.

“I was deprived of the use of anything, of a cellphone, other electronic gadgets like laptop, like tablets,” De Lima recalled in a phone interview with Maki Pulido on 24 Oras.

She added that she had to rely on handwritten notes to continue performing her legislative duties while in detention.

“When I reviewed drafts, draft resolutions, draft bills for my staff, handwritten lang ‘yung aking mga edits and aking mga corrections and even yung mga drafts ko mismo,” she said.

De Lima said allowing remote participation for detained senators at present could set a double standard and potentially affect sensitive proceedings such as impeachment trials.

“The agenda there is to be able to allow the likes of Senator Bato (dela Rosa) to participate and also all others who might be deprived also of liberty because of involvement in certain cases,” she said.

“Especially impeachment trial. On trial, the judge must be able to personally witness or see and hear and examine the evidence, not remote,” she added.

The statement comes amid continuing Senate debate on a proposal to amend chamber rules to allow remote participation in sessions. The issue triggered a minority bloc walkout during a recent plenary session after objections to how the motion was taken up.

The session was later adjourned due to lack of quorum, with Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III moving for adjournment.

Senators are expected to resume session on Monday, June 1, as discussions on the proposed rule changes continue.