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The statement by House Justice Committee chair Rep. Gerville Luistro that former lawmaker Zaldy Co must return to the Philippines if he wants to testify in the impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raises deeper questions about accountability, credibility, and the limits of political testimony.

At its core, Luistro’s position is simple: impeachment is a serious constitutional process, not a media spectacle or a remote exchange of accusations. Testifying under oath before the committee requires physical presence, not video calls or statements sworn abroad. This rule exists to protect the integrity of the process, ensuring that witnesses can be questioned directly and held legally responsible for what they say.

The issue becomes more complicated when the witness in question is facing an arrest warrant and is reportedly staying overseas. Critics argue that allowing testimony from abroad could set a dangerous precedent—one where individuals avoid legal consequences at home while still influencing major political proceedings. From this perspective, Luistro’s stance is not about blocking testimony, but about preventing impeachment from becoming a tool for selective accountability.

On the other hand, supporters of the impeachment complaint insist that Co’s testimony could be crucial, regardless of his location. They argue that truth should not be delayed by technical rules, especially when public interest is at stake. But impeachment is not just about revealing information; it is also about trust. A witness who refuses to face Philippine authorities weakens the moral weight of their claims.

Ultimately, this controversy highlights a larger tension in Philippine politics: the public’s demand for transparency versus the need for firm institutional rules. By insisting that Zaldy Co return to the country, Luistro is sending a message that accountability must be complete. One cannot seek to hold others responsible while remaining beyond the reach of the law.