Cayetano on special session for VP trial: 鈥楶rayers, prayers, prayers鈥�
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano —File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau
MANILA, Philippines — “Prayers, prayers, prayers.”
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano had this to say on Friday when asked whether the Senate needs to hold a special session of Congress to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Accountability is a must,” Cayetano also said.
“No one wants conflict. No one wants attention diverted from current problems, but that is our process. If there is no process, it will be more chaotic,” he added in Filipino.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has repeatedly ruled out the conduct of a special session needed for the Senate to convene as an impeachment court while Congress is on a break.
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“Everyone has given their opinion. The Senate president has come out with a timeframe, so sooner or later, the majority of the senators have to look at it. But much wisdom is needed,” he said.
“These are the kinds of situations in which any opinions will garner approval of disapproval. So you know, really pray for wisdom in the Senate,” he added in Filipino.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5 and immediately transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on the last day of the Congressional session. Congress is on a break for the midterm elections.
The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial of the Vice President on July 30 following pre-trial proceedings.
A vote of two-thirds of the 23 senators is needed to convict and oust Duterte.
