Senate Credibility at Risk Over Impeachment Trial
The Senate’s credibility and integrity as an institution are at risk due to conflicting interpretations of the Constitution by some lawmakers about the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that calls to abolish the Senate could intensify if it fails to convene as an impeachment court and promptly start the trial of the country’s second highest official.
“When I was a congressman and a first-time politician, many were already calling to abolish the Senate, claiming it duplicates legislative work,” Gatchalian said in a Radio DZBB interview. “These calls may become louder if people think the Senate no longer wants to do its job.”
He emphasized, “We don’t want to have credibility problems or integrity issues.” Gatchalian firmly believes the Senate’s constitutional mandate in impeachment proceedings is clear and criticized colleagues who hold differing views.
“This is part of our constitutional mandate and our job when we ran for senator. Each senator should understand this,” he stated. “Our responsibilities include legislating, oversight, and impeachment. Whether we like it or not, impeachment is part of our duties.”
The Senate’s Role as Democracy’s Guardian
Gatchalian added, “The Senate is often called the guardian of our democracy. We must uphold that role because impeachment proceedings are among the Senate’s most important tasks.”
He underscored that impeachment applies not only to the President or Vice President but also to all constitutional bodies. “It ensures high-ranking officials are held accountable,” he said.
Meanwhile, various progressive groups, religious organizations, sectoral groups, and social movements plan to hold a prayer vigil outside the Senate grounds. They aim to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte and call on senator-judges to convene immediately.
The ecumenical gathering and “forthwith” march are scheduled from June 9 to June 11, coinciding with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s set date to read the Articles of Impeachment filed against Duterte. The event will be led by Tindig Pilipinas, ML Partylist Representative Leila de Lima, Akbayan Party, Magdalo Party, and other prominent leaders.
Senator Tolentino Urges Immediate Action
In a separate Radio DZBB interview, Senator Francis Tolentino also urged the Senate to act on the Constitution’s “forthwith” clause and start the impeachment trial immediately. Unlike some colleagues, Tolentino insisted the trial cannot extend beyond the 19th Congress.
He dismissed claims by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros that the Constitution permits the impeachment case to continue into the 20th Congress. However, he also rejected comparisons to a resolution by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who suggested dismissing the impeachment complaint due to time constraints.
“The Senate’s and Congress’s credibility must be preserved. Respect for the Constitution must continue. The rights of the respondent and mine, which should not be interfered with, must also be respected because Congress ends on June 30,” Tolentino explained.
He believes there is still enough time to proceed with the impeachment trial before the 19th Congress concludes on June 30, 2025. “Impeachment is based on the Constitution, not on individual opinion,” the outgoing senator emphasized.
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