Manila, June 19 -- Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday rejected claims that senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have a predetermined verdict, saying the Senate must first hear the arguments of both sides before reaching a decision.

"We are waiting for the first time, finally, marinig anumang mga ebidensya, mapakinggan, maaring matanong ang sinumang mga witnesses na iharap sa amin, both ng prosecution at ng defense (to hear whatever evidence is presented, listen to and possibly question witnesses brought before us by both the prosecution and the defense)," Hontiveros said in a media interview in Cebu City.

The assurance came after questions were raised on claims that the Senate would no longer examine ev...