MANILA — The Senate is facing mounting criticism following accusations that it intentionally delayed action on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senator-elect Tito Sotto claims the Articles of Impeachment were “bushwhacked” when they were received by the Senate on 5 February but were not referred to the rules committee as required.

“That day was the last session before our four-month break. It should have been immediately referred,” Sotto said. “The delay signals intent to suppress the process.”

The complaint, which includes allegations of misuse of confidential funds and threatening statements against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, was transmitted after over two months of deliberation in the House of Representatives.

Leadership Under Fire

Sotto and other lawmakers argue that Senate President Francis Escudero mishandled the case and is stalling the constitutional process.

“He hasn’t referred the complaint up to now,” Sotto stressed, pointing out that the Senate could have convened as an impeachment court even after the House had adjourned. “We could’ve acted within our constitutional window.”

Senator-elect Ping Lacson supported the argument for continuity, saying the trial should proceed in the 20th Congress if not resolved in the current one.

“If the present Senate does not constitute itself into an impeachment court before adjournment on July 13, there is no court to carry over,” Lacson warned. He also rejected a draft resolution presented by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a Duterte ally, seeking to dismiss the case without a formal trial. “Only the Senate sitting as an impeachment court can do that,” Lacson said.

Escudero: Senate Acting Within Constitutional Bounds

In response, Senate President Escudero denied accusations of deliberate stalling.

“Hindi ako sumusunod dahil gusto lamang ng Speaker ng Kamara na ma-impeach ang Ikalawang Pangulo. Gagawin namin ang aming trabaho ayon sa batas, ayon sa pananaw ng Senado, at hindi sunod-sunuran lamang sa gusto ng isang tao o ng kabilang Kamara,” Escudero said in an interview.

Escudero argued that the House itself delayed action for over two months before sending the complaint. “Bakit hindi nila inihain agad? Bakit ngayon kami ang minamadali?” he asked.

“Kailanman ay hindi ako nagpasya base sa takot. At hindi rin ako tagasunod ninuman,” he stressed.

Under Escudero’s plan, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court on July 29, after the 20th Congress opens, with trial proceedings expected to begin on July 30.

Public Criticism Mounts

Legal experts and civic groups are voicing frustration. In a scathing commentary, constitutional law professor Dean Mel Sta Maria accused the Senate of politicizing a process meant to uphold accountability.

“All senators are failing the Filipino people,” Sta Maria wrote. “The constitutional duty is clear: ‘to try and decide’.”

Sta Maria emphasized that impeachment is not merely a political maneuver, but a legal process that requires senators to act as impartial judges. “They must transcend political loyalties and apply the law based on evidence,” he wrote. “Otherwise, the entire process becomes a mockery of justice.”

He also warned against attempts to disqualify perceived biased senators, saying such tactics could derail the process altogether. “Conscience and political will are now on trial.”

What Happens Next?

The Senate is scheduled to read the complaint on June 11—the last opportunity to formally initiate the process before the legislature adjourns sine die on June 13.

Should no action be taken, legal uncertainty looms over the possibility of carrying the trial over to the 20th Congress. Analysts suggest the delay could damage public trust in both the Senate and the broader accountability mechanisms enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

📷 Senate of the Philippines FB