Senate Dribbles Impeachment Trial of Vice President: A Constitutional Duty Delayed
Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros expressed deep concern on June 3 over the Senate’s handling of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. She described the delay as unprecedented, saying this is the first time she has witnessed the Senate dribbling its constitutional mandate for four months.
“Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng bola na dini-dribble ng apat na buwan. Kahit naman sa basketball, may shot clock,” Hontiveros said, highlighting the unusual and prolonged stalling of the process.
Hontiveros emphasized that the Constitution explicitly requires the Senate to convene as an impeachment court and start the trial promptly. Yet, this crucial process has been postponed for four long months, raising questions about the Senate’s commitment to its duties.
Senate President Defends Delay Amid Criticism
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero stated on June 2 that the plenary will ultimately decide all matters related to the impeachment trial. He moved the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment from June 2 to June 11, 2025. This decision upset some senators who believe the delay hampers justice.
Escudero defended the postponement, noting that the Senate must prioritize passing key legislation during the remaining six session days. However, Hontiveros dismissed this explanation, saying the delay is no longer about procedure.
“In those four months, I’ve been called eager, aggressive, impatient, ‘atat.’ But the simple truth is this: We are not rushing. In fact, we have been waiting. The Filipino people are waiting. And we believe four months is more than enough,” she said.
She added that these delays amount to obstructions disguised as procedural steps. The impeachment process is a vital tool for accountability, entrusted solely to the Senate by the people.
“Hindi ko ‘yan balak talikuran. It’s time to follow the rules and start the process ‘forthwith.’ Enough games. Time to move,” Hontiveros stressed.
Calls to Act on Impeachment Trial of Vice President Grow Louder
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also weighed in, stating he sees no need for a Senate vote to convene as an impeachment court because it is a constitutional mandate.
“If it’s a Constitutional mandate, all you have to do is do it. Having said that, though, implementing it and applying it to the 24 senators, you need to vote on it. But just because there’s a voting, doesn’t make it right,” Cayetano explained.
When asked if a simple majority vote could overturn this constitutional mandate, he replied, “hindi dapat.”
Progressive Groups Demand Swift Conviction
Meanwhile, progressive groups like Bayan, Gabriela, and Kilusang Mayo Uno gathered at the Senate to urge senators to convict the impeached vice president. Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino warned they are ready to hold vigils in front of the Senate if lawmakers fail to act.
“Sisingilin natin itong Senado, dahil sa halip na pakinggan ang boses ng mamamayan, sa halip na ipakita ang ebidensya tunkol sa corruption, mas pinili nitong pagtakpan, protektahan ang mga magnanakaw, ang mga mandarambong,” Palatino said.
He questioned the message such delays send to the public: “Anong aral ang tinuturo nito sa ating taombayan? Na pwedeng magnakaw, pwedeng magtago ng confidential funds, pwede ang unexplained wealth, pwede ang betrayal of public trust. basta merong negosasyon na magaganap, sa pagitan ng mga nakaupo sa kapangyarihan?”
“Yan ang hindi po natin papayagan,” he added firmly.
The escalating calls to act highlight the growing impatience with the Senate’s slow movement on this critical case. The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a pivotal moment for Philippine democracy and its system of checks and balances.
For more news and updates on impeachment trial of Vice President, visit Filipinokami.com.