By Gabriel Kim Leal
(June 7, 2025) – The Philippine Bar Association on Saturday called on the Senate to do its constitutional duty and immediately begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Vice President was impeached by the House of Representatives back in February, but her trial in the Senate has yet to begin, amid growing disagreements among senators.
“The text of the Constitution is clear. It bears no ambiguity, except that which is now being forced upon it ‘[T]rial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed’ is as direct as it can be. Reasonable people can disagree on how fast ‘forthwith’ means, but it is safe to say it does not mean several months of delay,” the group said in a statement.
It also stressed that once the House transmits the Articles of Impeachment, the Senate is required, not only encouraged, to begin the trial.
The group reminded senators that they took an oath to uphold the Constitution, especially when sitting as an impeachment court.
“The very purpose of a Constitution is to remove certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy. There is nothing optional when the Constitution imposes a duty, and there is nothing to vote on,” it said.
The delay has drawn criticism, particularly after Senate President Chiz Escudero moved the reading of the articles of impeachment to June 11, instead of the original June 2 schedule. Escudero explained that the Senate needed to prioritize pending legislation before Congress adjourns sine die.
But that explanation didn’t sit well with the original endorsers of the impeachment complaint. Akbayan Rep. Percy Cendaña questioned Escudero’s motives, even asking if he was afraid of Duterte or trying to shield her.
Duterte is accused of multiple offenses, including constitutional violations, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
(AGD)
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