House Prosecutors Demand Senate Action on Impeachment Trial
Two House-designated prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case insist that the Senate must proceed with the impeachment trial, calling any delay or cancellation a clear violation of the 1987 Constitution. This strong stance was shared by Iloilo 3rd district Representative Lorenz Defensor and incoming Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima.
“Ang hindi pagpapatuloy ng impeachment trial ay labag sa Konstitusyon at pag talikod sa nais ng taong bayan,” Defensor told reporters, emphasizing that stopping the trial would betray the people’s will. He further explained that such abandonment by the Senate undermines its duty to hold officials accountable and sets a harmful precedent for future leaders.
Constitutional Mandate Requires Impeachment Trial
De Lima, a former senator and Department of Justice secretary, echoed Defensor’s view. She stressed, “That has always been my position that is very violating of what the Constitution says,” when asked about the possibility that the Senate might not hold the trial.
According to the Constitution, the Senate must conduct the impeachment trial “forthwith” after the House transmits the articles. The House sent these on February 5. However, delays and postponements have occurred multiple times, which neither the House nor Senate can blame on each other, De Lima noted. “Forthwith is forthwith. Nakailang beses na yang nade-delay. Ilang beses na yang napo-postpone. Hindi puwedeng nagtuturuan ang House of Representatives and the Senate…but what is clear is nandoon sa Constitution.”
She added, “Para sa akin impeachment trial at this stage and the convening on the impeachment accord and also proceeding with the impeachment trial is not optional.”
Senate’s Hesitation Raises Concerns
On June 3, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero mentioned that senators in the incoming 20th Congress might choose not to hold Vice President Duterte’s impeachment trial due to technical reasons. The case only gained traction near the end of the 19th Congress.
Despite this, House prosecutors maintain that the Senate’s duty to proceed is clear and non-negotiable. They argue that postponing or canceling the trial disregards constitutional mandates and betrays public trust.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment, visit Filipinokami.com.