The Senate's decision to postpone the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to June has ignited debate, with critics arguing that it violates the Constitution's mandate for a prompt trial.
The Senate 's decision to postpone the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to June, when Congress reconvenes, has drawn criticism from former officials and lawmakers. Teresita Deles, a representative of Tindig Pilipinas and a member of the Buhay ang EDSA People Power Network, argued that the Constitution mandates the immediate commencement of an impeachment trial once the complaint reaches the Senate .
She emphasized that the Constitution does not allow for delays or discretionary scheduling. Deles urged the Senate to adhere to its constitutional mandate and promptly address the impeachment. Kiko Aquino-Dee, grandson of former Senator Ninoy Aquino and President Corazon Aquino, echoed Deles' concerns. While acknowledging the late transmission of the impeachment complaint, Aquino-Dee stressed that it should not justify further delays. He highlighted that a delay in the House of Representatives had already occurred, and a similar delay in the Senate would be detrimental. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug received the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening. However, it was not presented to the plenary before the session ended. Senate President Francis Escudero stated that the earliest possible date for the Senate to consider the impeachment complaint is June 2, when Congress resumes after the midterm elections.Escudero clarified that while a special session could be convened during the recess, it could not be for the purpose of establishing an impeachment court. He explained that the Constitution does not permit the convening of an impeachment court through a special session. Meanwhile, lawmakers at the House of Representatives dismissed Duterte's recent comments regarding the impeachment complaint, characterizing them as an attempt to minimize the seriousness of the situation and reflecting anxiety about the impending Senate trial. Representatives Pammy Zamora, Jil Bongalon, Paolo Ortega, and Jay Khonghun issued a joint statement criticizing Duterte for undermining the legitimacy of the impeachment complaint and for casting doubt on the lawmakers who supported it. They emphasized that the overwhelming majority of the House had found probable cause for impeachment. Ortega also challenged Duterte's claims that life was better under her father's administration, pointing to improvements in the economy, inflation, and support for Filipinos during the current administration
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