Senate Commits to Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial
House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre from the Tingog Party-list has expressed his trust in the Senate’s promise to uphold their duty concerning the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The senator’s pledge reassures many, especially after the Senate postponed the presentation of the impeachment articles, raising concerns among lawmakers and the public alike.
Acidre and other House members voiced their disappointment over the delay in presenting the impeachment charges. Some even fear the trial might not proceed as planned. “Sinabi ng Senado na they will take it up on June 11. I think hindi lang po kami sa Kamara, kundi ang buong bansa ay aabangan po ang magiging hakbang ng Senado sa June 11,” Acidre stated. (The Senate has stated that they will take it up on June 11. I believe that it’s not just us in the House, but the entire nation will be watching the Senate’s next steps on June 11.)
Assurance from Senate Leadership
Despite the postponement, Acidre remains confident in the Senate leadership’s commitment. “Pero ako, gusto ko nalang pang-hawakan ‘yung sinabi ni Senator Jinggoy Estrada na gagampanan ng Senado ang kanilang constitutional duty na talakayin ang impeachment case na naka-file sa kanila,” he added. (But for me, I would rather hold on to what Senator Jinggoy Estrada said that the Senate will fulfill its constitutional duty to deliberate on the impeachment case filed before them.)
Originally, the presentation of the seven articles of impeachment was scheduled for June 2. However, Senate President Francis Escudero deferred it to prioritize the discussion of other key bills. This decision stirred concerns about the trial’s potential delay or cancellation.
Impeachment Trial and Democratic Integrity
Acidre emphasized that the issue goes beyond politics or the individuals involved. “Kasi sa totoo, hindi lang ito usapin ng pulitika, hindi lang ito usapin ng kung sino ‘yung nasasakdal, ito po ay usaping ng integridad ng ating demokrasya,” he said. (Because in truth, this is neither just a political issue, nor is it merely about who is being accused. This is a matter of the integrity of our democracy.)
He warned that continuous postponements might erode public trust and accountability. “If we cannot, if we keep on postponing, the only option available for us to hold our public officials accountable, siguro ang kailangan natin baka anong klaseng demokrasya tayo nagiging,” Acidre added. (Maybe what we need to do is to ask what kind of democracy we are turning into.)
The upcoming June 11 session will be closely monitored by the House, the public, and various community leaders, all awaiting the Senate’s next move on this critical matter.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.