By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero said that the upper chamber should not be rushed on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, pointing out that the House of Representatives did not act on it quickly.
“Mahigit dalawang buwan nilang inupuan ang impeachment complaints at wala silang ginawa. Ultimo ‘yung Secretary General nila, hindi finorward sa Speaker na magkatabi lamang naman halos ng kwarto, mahigit dalawang buwan din. Siguro ipaliwanag muna nila ‘yun bago kami umaksyon,” Escudero said.
“Hindi para sa kanila na madaliin kami pagkatapos nilang upuan ‘yan sa napakahabang panahon,” he added.
Escudero made the statement after being asked about calls for the Senate to act immediately on the impeachment, as indicated in the 1987 Constitution.
The House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on the last day of the congressional session, February 5.
Meanwhile, Escudero said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not expressed any intention to order the Senate to convene for Duterte’s impeachment trial.
“Wala po. Pero siyempre ‘pag nagpatawag ang Pangulo, anong gagawin namin? Eh ‘di kailangan namin mag-attend,” he said.
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