Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling out the Senate’s months-long delay in acting on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the inaction has gone beyond due process and is now obstructing justice.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a ball being dribbled for four months. Even in basketball, there’s a shot clock,” Hontiveros said Tuesday in an Inquirer.net report, expressing her frustration as the Senate continues to stall on convening as an impeachment court.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte back in February over multiple allegations, including the misuse of confidential funds during her time as vice president and education secretary, as well as accusations of threatening the President, First Lady, and House Speaker. She was also charged with failing to fully disclose her assets.
Despite the House transmitting the Articles of Impeachment on February 5, the Senate has yet to begin the trial, citing pending procedures. The latest schedule to present the charges was moved from June 2 to June 11, as Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said lawmakers needed time to pass priority measures.
Hontiveros, however, believes the excuses have worn thin.
“These delays are no longer procedural. They are obstructions dressed up as protocol,” she said, insisting the Senate is constitutionally mandated to act once the impeachment articles are received.
“In those four months, I’ve been called eager, aggressive, impatient, atat. But the simple truth is this: We are not rushing. In fact, we have been waiting. The Filipino people are waiting. And we believe four months is more than enough,” she emphasized.
Despite the setbacks, Hontiveros vowed to stand firm in upholding the Senate’s duty to seek accountability. “It’s time to follow the rules and start the process ‘forthwith’. Enough games. Time to move,” she declared.
