MANILA, Philippines—News of Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s homecoming on Saturday was welcomed by his fellow senators, who said his return would be crucial in the impeachment trial of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez at the Senate in May. Lacson will formally rejoin his colleagues when Congress resumes sessions on May 9, just in time for the impeachment trial, according to his media relations officer Gerry de Belen.
On the phone with the Inquirer, Sen. Gregorio Honasan said Lacson could now rejoin the Senate, “especially in light of the many tasks ahead and the forthcoming impeachment trial” of Gutierrez.
“We’re happy and relieved for Senator Lacson, especially his family and supporters,” Honasan said, adding:
“This is important in the sense that justice has been served. Justice is going to be the main issue in the impeachment trial.
“For the impeachment we need all hands.”
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano agreed, saying: “We welcome him back and his presence ... It’s no secret that every man [and] every woman counts in an impeachment because you need two-thirds to convict.”
Two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, or 16 senators, are required to convict an impeached official. Since there are only 23 senators now, an impeached official will need only eight votes to get acquitted.
De Belen said Lacson’s office at the Senate was reopened and cleaned last week.
“It’s now ready to be occupied,” De Belen said of Room 510, which was closed down in October 2010.
TJ Burgonio, Phil. Daily Inquirer
