Senate Impeach

Speaking for myself, I would really acquit. But if it is beyond the threshold of preponderance, even if there is a lack of guilt beyond reasonable doubt, I will vote to convict,

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" he noted. He explained that unlike criminal trials, where the standard is proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt, impeachment trials do not have fixed evidentiary rules. As such, senator-judges have leeway to interpret the weight of the evidence presented.

"This is an impeachment. No one is going to jail. There is only one penalty—removal from office. No jail, no fines. There is only one outcome—if you are guilty, you will be ousted from your position," he said.

Lacson's statements came after the House of Representatives raised concerns over Senate President Francis Escudero's remarks that the impeachment court can entertain a motion to dismiss or motion to convict.

Lacson also pointed out that the Senate's role in an impeachment trial is defined by the Constitution: "try and decide."

Moving to dismiss a case before any presentation of evidence, the senator-elect said, could violate that mandate.

"My initial thinking is that we should follow the Constitution, plain and simple," he said.