Senate Risks Constitutional Breach by Delaying Trial
The Senate may breach the Constitution if it continues delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Former Office of the Vice President spokesman Barry Gutierrez warned this on June 2, sparking fresh debate over the Senate’s responsibility.
Gutierrez, a lawyer and former lawmaker, responded to Senate President Francis Escudero’s decision to push the trial start date from June 2 to June 11. He emphasized the Senate’s constitutional duty to promptly proceed once the House passes the Articles of Impeachment.
“The Constitution mandates that after the House passes the Articles of Impeachment, the Senate shall forthwith proceed with the trial,” Gutierrez said. “Hindi po ito isang suggestion, ito ay constitutional obligation.”
Public and Vice President Demand Trial Progress
His comments followed a recent survey indicating that 88 percent of respondents want Duterte to face the impeachment case. Even Vice President Duterte herself expressed readiness to confront the allegations, seeing the trial as a chance to clear her name.
“Kung si Vice President Sara na ang nagsabi na she welcomes the trial at ready na daw siya to face the accusations, so what is the Senate waiting for?” Gutierrez asked.
He added that when the Constitution, the public, and the Vice President all demand the trial, the Senate cannot justify stalling or obstructing the process.
Allegations of Political Maneuvering in Senate
Gutierrez also addressed reports suggesting Senate President Escudero might be delaying the impeachment to secure support from the Duterte bloc and strengthen his Senate leadership.
“If these reports are true, this is a flagrant violation of the Constitution. Hindi ‘optional’ sa Senado ang impeachment trial. Harapang lokohan na ito kung ito nga ang plano,” Gutierrez stated.
He reminded senators that they must uphold the Constitution above political interests. Delaying the trial risks eroding public trust in the Senate.
“Delaying justice is denying justice. And in this case, it would be a betrayal of the people’s right to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” he concluded.
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