Concerns Rise Over Senate Using Supreme Court Directive to Delay Trial
MANILA, Philippines — The activist group August Twenty-One Movement (Atom) voiced worries that the Senate could exploit the recent Supreme Court directive to delay the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte even further. The group fears the Senate might use the Supreme Court directive to delay as justification for postponing the process.
On July 8, the Supreme Court ordered both the House of Representatives and the Senate to clarify details about the impeachment case. The SC asked for information on who drafted the articles of impeachment, whether House members had enough time to examine the charges, and when these were shared with senators.
“We hope to be wrong, but our concern is that, with the many reasons of Senate President Chiz (Francis Escudero) to delay what was supposed to be done ‘forthwith,’ the Supreme Court may be used as a new excuse for the Senate to delay it further,” Atom said in a Friday statement. The group added that they continue to trust the Supreme Court to rise above the Senate delays and remain faithful to the Constitution.
Details of the Impeachment Charges
Duterte faces serious accusations including culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. A major allegation involves the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds. She was impeached by the House of Representatives last February.
Senate’s History of Delays and Constitutional Concerns
The Senate first convened as an impeachment court on June 10 but returned the articles to the House. The senators required certification that the complaint did not violate the Constitution’s “one-year bar” rule and confirmation that the 20th Congress would pursue the case.
Atom stressed that the Constitution has been repeatedly overlooked by the Senate over past months. Now, with the Supreme Court’s involvement, many Filipinos fear Senate President Escudero will cite this as another reason to delay the impeachment trial.
“If a high official is held accountable in the right and just way, it will attest that our democracy is still working,” the group added.
Senate Leaders’ Perspectives on the Trial Timeline
Escudero previously emphasized the need not to rush the impeachment process. In February, he said the trial must be credible and believable to the public. Recently, Senator Joel Villanueva mentioned that four to six senators informally spoke with Escudero about starting the trial on August 4. The delay supposedly allows time to settle chamber leadership, committee chairpersons, and other administrative concerns.
The 20th Congress’s first session will begin on July 28, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.
