Senate hit for stalling VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial
VP Sara Duterte composite image from Inquirer, AP file photos
MANILA, Philippines — “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”This was the statement of Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño on Sunday as he criticized the Senate for delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He urged lawmakers to fulfill their constitutional duty and uphold the integrity of the institution.
Casiño questioned the Senate’s reasons for stalling the proceedings, citing excuses such as the legislative break, the supposed lack of public clamor, and confusion over the term “forthwith.”
“It is a shame that the Senate is delaying the impeachment trial on such flimsy excuses,” Casiño said in a statement.
“Maybe they should just admit that they are too busy vacationing to be bothered by their official duties,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Makabayan senatorial bet also argued that the delay undermines the government’s system of checks and balances and diminishes the credibility of the Senate.
Article continues after this advertisement“Kung talagang gusto, maraming paraan. Pag ayaw, maraming dahilan,” Casiño said.
(If there’s a will, there’s a way. If there’s none, there are plenty of excuses.)
Casiño stressed that while Duterte benefits from the stalled trial, ordinary public servants with lesser offenses often face swift disciplinary actions.
“The Senate’s inaction translates to injustice and impunity,” he said.
“The Senate owes it to the people to begin the impeachment trial at once,” he emphasized.
Senate President Francis Escudero previously said Duterte’s impeachment trial would begin after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.“Most likely when the new Congress already enters into its functions after Sona. Sona, I think, is on July 21. So [the] trial will commence after that day,” Escudero said.
He added that the Senate is “slowly but surely building up” its preparations for the trial.
Escudero also noted that the chamber has started reviewing materials from previous impeachment proceedings to assess whether they could still be reused or need replacement.
