00:00Today, as you were informed, we will not be having a trial. Instead, we shall hear from the friends of
00:06the court.
00:07The court today will hear from our Amici Curie who were appointed pursuant to the court's orders dated September 9
00:13and 10
00:14and shall proceed with their presentation in accordance with the court's advisory dated September 9, 2026.
00:21The selection of the Amici Curie was done in consultation with the parties and senator judges as well.
00:28The court, through the presiding officer, has enlisted the assistance of the following distinguished Amici Curie
00:34to aid the court in its resolution of questions concerning the proper interpretation and application of Article 11, Section 3
00:42.6 of the Constitution,
00:43namely, Retired Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., Retired Former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban,
00:51Retired Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, and Retired Associate Justice Adolf S. Ascuna.
00:58Retired Chief Justice Davide, however, has submitted his views in a written memorandum, copies of which were distributed to senator
01:06judges and the parties,
01:07and the court will ask to be read before we hear from the Amici Curie present this morning.
01:14The Amici Curie have been invited to assist the court in its consideration of the following issues raised in the
01:20appeal cum motion for reconsideration of Senator Judge Irwin Tulfo,
01:53namely,
01:55and members beyond the coercive jurisdiction of the Senate applies in determining whether senators who are detained, abroad, suspended, or
02:03whose whereabouts are unknown are included in the phrase,
02:07quote,
02:07All members of the Senate, for purposes of the two-thirds vote required under Article 11, Section 3.6 of
02:14the Constitution,
02:15and number three,
02:16Whether or not a senator judge who did not attend or substantially participate in the impeachment proceedings as to, among
02:23others,
02:24propound questions and to observe the demeanor of witnesses,
02:27may nevertheless validly cast a vote on the final question in an impeachment trial.
02:32On behalf of the court,
02:35the presiding officer wishes to express our deep appreciation to the Amici Curie for accepting our invitation
02:41and for generously lending their time, expertise, wisdom, and considered judgment
02:48to the resolution of these important questions that the court is facing.
02:53Consistent with the advisory issued,
02:56Each Amici Curie shall make a presentation with respect to their position on the matter.
03:05Thereafter, interjections and their questions will be entertained from Senator Judges,
03:11who shall have five minutes each for all three, not for a single one, but for all three.
03:16And the chair shall also entertain questions through the chair from the parties,
03:22should they have any, to our respective Amici Curie.
03:27And the chair shall have any, to our respective Amici Curie.
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