Reps. Eddie Villanueva and Audrey Kay Zubiri abstained from voting on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, prioritizing the integrity of the upcoming Senate trial.
Their decision comes as the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Duterte, with 257 members in favor.
Villanueva noted that his abstention aims to protect the impartiality of his son, Sen. Joel Villanueva, who will serve as a senator-judge during the trial.
He stated, "As a father and public servant, I deemed it prudent to refrain from participating in the voting to avoid any grounds for questioning Senator Villanueva's impartiality."
Zubiri echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fairness in the impeachment process.
She stated, "It is both prudent and proper to refrain from participating in the vote, and I ask for the public’s understanding in this matter."
Both lawmakers were part of the nine who abstained, while 25 opposed the impeachment.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court to address the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.