Senate Postpones Impeachment Proceedings
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V has voiced his disappointment over the Senate’s decision to delay the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte until the final days of the 19th Congress. Ortega, representing La Union’s 1st district and a known critic of the Vice President, expressed frustration over the Senate’s postponement of the presentation of the articles of impeachment, calling it akin to being “stood up” on a planned date. He said, “Parang may ka-date ka lang pero biglang hindi ka sinipot tapos pwede bang after one week na lang tayo lumabas? Parang ganoon eh, hindi ba?”
He further explained, “Naka-ready ka na, nakabihis ka na, tapos hindi pala tuloy yung date mo. Parang ganoon ‘yung feeling.” The House prosecution panel had prepared for the initial June 2 schedule, but the Senate moved the date to June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress.
Concerns Over Time Constraints and Priorities
Senate President Francis Escudero ordered the rescheduling on May 29, stating the need to prioritize other legislative measures before the Congress adjourns. Ortega revealed that the House prosecutors only received this information recently, raising worries about tight timelines and potential conflicts during the sine die adjournment.
He shared, “Na-receive siya yesterday. Pero sabi ko nga baka naman hindi kaya masyadong ipit sa oras?” Despite these concerns, Ortega prefers not to overanalyze the situation and plans to accept the Senate’s reasoning at face value. He acknowledged the importance of all pending bills, saying, “Sabi ko nga, kung priority bills talaga nila ‘yan, sabi ko nga lahat naman ng bills saka mga ipinapasa natin equally important ‘yun. Ayaw ko namang tanggalan ng importansya ‘yung mga either local or national na bills natin.”
Future of the Impeachment Process
Ortega admitted feeling some unease about the delay, especially since the schedule had been set weeks ahead. Ultimately, the decision now rests with the Senate and its members, who will determine whether to proceed with hearing the articles of impeachment. “It’s a leadership call,” he concluded.
For more news and updates on impeachment process against Vice President, visit Filipinokami.com.