ANGARA ON IMPEACHMENT: IS THERE NO HOPE FOR CONCILIATION?

Senators acting as impeachment judges should look into the possibility of mediating between the contending parties in the trial to allay the political tension.

"As in a regular court, the judge has the authority to mediate and encourage dialogue before going into trial," explained Senator Edgardo J. Angara, a lawyer by profession and co-founder of the ACCRA Law Offices.

"As judges of the impeachment court, we are tasked not only to try the accused, but also to find a middle ground and see if we can settle the issue more amicably out of court," he further explained Angara.

"Is there really no hope for a truce so the entire country will not have to be caught up in the dispute between the President and the Chief Justice?" he stressed. "Let's first explore areas of reconciliation. It is not too late."

The Senators yesterday took their oaths to be impartial judges in the trial. They also issued Senate Impeachment Court Resolution No. 1 asking the defendant to submit his reply within 10 days and to appear in court on January 16, 2012 at the resumption of Congress.

Angara also called for sobriety once the proceedings start. "The emotions are very high. It is important that we maintain a sense of calm and try to tackle the issue rationally. And we should strive to protect the morale and working relationships of employees throughout the bureaucracy.

He continued, "At the end of the day, what is important is that we uphold the rule of law. This is the foundation of a just and progressive society, the framework under which nation-building and economic development can proceed."

The impeachment proceedings are set to begin by next year and are to be held in from 2pm onwards from Monday to Thursday.