MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III warned that further delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would breach the Constitution.
Pimentel emphasized that a special session of Congress is necessary to officially begin the trial, allowing the Senate to convene as an impeachment court and move forward with preparations to avoid unnecessary delays.
Last Wednesday, 215 out of 306 House members voted to impeach Duterte on charges of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft, and corruption.
The House submitted the complaint to the Senate shortly after, outlining allegations of unexplained wealth, drug user killings during her mayoralty in Davao, and involvement in a plot to assassinate President Marcos and his family.
Senate President Francis Escudero has expressed reluctance to begin the trial during Congress’ recess, suggesting it could start when sessions resume on June 2.
However, Pimentel pointed out that the Constitution mandates the Senate to begin the trial “forthwith” once the impeachment complaint is filed by at least one-third of the House.
Pimentel argued that the term “forthwith” implies urgency but does not require immediate action.
A delay of several weeks is acceptable, but a postponement for over three months would be unconstitutional the former Senate president said.
He also highlighted that a special session could address pending legislation, including the New Government Auditing Code, amendments to the Cooperative Code, and other key bills such as those on judiciary fiscal autonomy, taxes on vape, electronic governance, and capital markets reform.
A three-day special session could advance critical measures while facilitating the impeachment process.
ia/mnm
