Pimentel tells Escudero: Acting fast on Duterte’s impeachment is Senate duty
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel (File photos from the Senate Social Media Unit)
MANILA, Philippines—Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel penned a letter to the Senate leadership emphasizing that the chamber’s duty is to act without delay on the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Pimentel cited the Philippine Constitution as the basis for such action.
In his letter dated Feb. 14, Pimentel repeatedly noted that the Senate is constitutionally mandated to act “forthwith” on the impeachment complaint against Duterte.
He said this action is mandated under Article 11, Section 3, Paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution.
Article continues after this advertisementThe letter was shared with the media on Tuesday.
Article continues after this advertisement“According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, ‘forthwith’ means ‘without any delay’ or ‘without interval of time,'” he said.
“Its synonyms include immediately, instantaneously, instantly, presently, promptly, right away, right now, straight off, and straightaway, among others,” said Pimentel.
“The Filipino translation for forthwith is ‘agad,’ which conveys immediacy.
The synonyms of this Filipino word include ‘madali,’ ‘bigla,’ ‘dagli’ or ‘karakaraka,’ which denote urgency or promptness,” he added.
The minority leader then took his time to underscore that the Senate must act on Duterte’s impeachment case “without any delay” or “without interval of time.”
“I repeat that this is the Senate’s duty,” he reiterated.
“Given the gravity of impeachment proceedings, it is imperative that the Senate uphold its duty with urgency, diligence and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution,” he pointed out.
“I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response,” Pimentel told the Senate leader.
