Enrile: No one can interfere with impeachment court

MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Thursday that “no one can interfere” with the impeachment court “as long as we apply the Bill of Rights and the principle of due process.”

Speaking to media a few hours before the impeachment trial resumes, Enrile said that “the impeachment is a special assignment to congress… we have the sole power to try and decide the case, no one can interfere with us”

“But it does not mean that we become superior,” Enrile said. “We do an impartial and fair administration of justice,” said Enrile, who acts as the presiding judge at the impeachment trial.

However, Enrile said that the impeachment court should not become arbitrary or oppressive in its decision-making because it would become “an issue later on after we have done the work. But while we are doing the work, in our opinion, no one can interfere with us.”

Enrile said that should the Supreme court ask the Senate to explain its position regarding the pending cases, the upper chamber of Congress will comply.

“In the same manner that if we ask the explanation of the Supreme Court, they have also to explain to us,” he said.

“Otherwise we will break down whatever system of government we have,” he said.