Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday, June 2, raised concerns over the repeated postponement of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. The original schedule for the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment was set for June 2 but was moved to June 11, the last day of session, by Senate President Chiz Escudero.
Hontiveros acknowledged that legislative work must continue but stressed that constitutional responsibilities, such as impeachment proceedings, should not be set aside. She said that the public deserves to see the allegations against the vice president examined through a formal Senate trial. The senator believes any further delays would not only undermine the process but also weaken the Senate’s credibility.
She cited Supreme Court rulings, including Chavez vs. Judicial Bar Council and Pimentel, Jr. vs. Committee of Congress, to support her argument that impeachment is a non-legislative function. This means the process should not be affected by the transition from the 19th to the 20th Congress.
Hontiveros emphasized that with the Articles of Impeachment expected to be received soon, the Senate must act without delay. Any failure to proceed, she warned, could be seen as a neglect of their constitutional mandate, which would lead the public to question the institution’s integrity. She called on the chamber to fulfill its duty and move forward with the trial.
