Lacson ready to convict Sara

IF EVIDENCE MEETS IMPEACHMENT THRESHOLD

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Incoming Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday said he is ready to vote for conviction in the upcoming impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, provided the evidence presented meets at least the threshold of preponderance of evidence even if it falls short of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

“Ako, at the very least, huwag kami bababa sa threshold ng preponderance of evidence. Kung kulang talaga ang ebidensya, walang preponderance, ako—speaking for myself—mag-a-acquit ako. Pero kung lampas siya sa threshold ng preponderance maski kapos sa guilt beyond reasonable doubt, ako mismo magko-convict ako,” Lacson said in a radio interview.

He emphasized that unlike criminal trials, which require proof beyond reasonable doubt, impeachment proceedings do not adhere to strict evidentiary rules, giving senator-judges flexibility in weighing the evidence.

“Wala kasing clear guidelines kung ano ang threshold ng ebidensya... So siguro in between preponderance of evidence and guilt beyond reasonable doubt, doon kami maninimbang. Yan ang flexibility namin kung present ang ebidensya, saan kami lulugar,” the senator said.