MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has criticized the Senate for its delay in initiating the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, describing the four-month postponement as a failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities.

“Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng bola na dini-dribble ng apat na buwan. Kahit naman sa basketball, may shot clock,” Hontiveros remarked, emphasizing the urgency mandated by the Constitution. “Convening as an impeachment court and commencing trial is expressly mandated by the Constitution. And yet this process has been delayed and dragged on for four long months.”

Hontiveros further argued that the reasons provided for the postponement are mere excuses to hinder the process, “These delays are no longer procedural. They are obstructions dressed up as protocol.”

“It’s time to follow the rules and start the process ‘forthwith’. Enough games. Time to move,” she added.

She highlighted that the Supreme Court has ruled the Senate is considered a “continuing body” for non-legislative duties like impeachment trials, implying that the Senate must fulfill its constitutional role as an impeachment court, regardless of recesses or changes in its membership.

“Anuman ang akusasyon laban kay Vice President Duterte, karapatan ng taumbayan na malaman at mahimay ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng isang transparent na impeachment trial,” she explained.

Senate President Chiz Escudero has refuted claims that he is intentionally delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He clarified that the Senate plenary will address the matter once the articles of impeachment are presented on June 11.

“Sa dulo pagpapasiyahan ‘yan ng plenaryo. Plenary ng Senado ang magde-decide kung ano ang magiging posisyon ng 19th Congress. Malaya kong pahihintulutan ang debate tulad ng nangyari kahapon,” Escudero stated in an interview with DZMM.

As the Senate faces mounting pressure to act, the nation watches closely, awaiting the commencement of a trial that could have profound implications for accountability and governance in the Philippines.

📷 📹 Office of Sen. Risa Hontiveros