By LMJ
Tacloban City–‘Silence is not a weakness – it is a mark of discipline and integrity’
This is how House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Friday lauded senators who have refrained from making public statements on the merits of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying their silence reflects strength, discipline and judicial integrity.
“We commend our senator-judges who have chosen the high road of restraint. Silence, in the context of an ongoing trial, is not passivity—it is professionalism,” Libanan, a member of the House prosecution panel, said in a statement.
“In this highly charged political moment, those who speak least may actually understand the gravity of their judicial role the most,” Libanan added. “They recognize that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is a constitutional tribunal—not a venue for political theater.”
Libanan emphasized that public silence from senator-judges demonstrates impartiality and respect for due process. “It sends a powerful message that they are focused on duty and evidence, not optics,” he said.
“We’ve seen members of the Senate resist the urge to grandstand or sway public opinion. Their restraint helps preserve the credibility of the impeachment process and protects it from being undermined by accusations of bias or prejudgment,” Libanan noted.
He however cited the Constitution’s demand for neutrality from judges in any legal or quasi-legal proceeding. “Every statement a judge makes outside the courtroom is a potential challenge to fairness inside it. The discipline shown by some senators is therefore not just admirable—it’s essential,” he stressed.
Libanan, who represents the 4Ps party-list, urged others to follow this example. “We urge all senator-judges to uphold the same level of discretion. Let the facts and the Constitution—not noise—shape the outcome of this process,” he said.
He concluded by saying, “We thank those who lead by quiet example. In moments like this, silence is not weakness—it is a testament to integrity.”