Delay impeachment trial? Not about keeping Senate presidency, says Escudero

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'Hindi ko makita ‘yong rason. Wala akong kinalaman, hindi ako ‘yong nasasakdal sa impeachment complaint,' says Senate President Chiz Escudero

With the imminent delays in the impeachment trial proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Chiz Escudero is at the center of attention, leading the upper chamber on how and when to move forward. He’s also facing backlash, with critics accusing him of delaying the process to hold on to his Senate throne.

Does this hold water?

As expected, Escudero denied that the delays were about “self-preservation.” He faces a possible ouster in the upcoming 20th Congress, where 12 newly-elected senators will assume office. Among his strongest contenders is Senator-elect Tito Sotto, a veteran legislator and former Senate president.

“Hindi ko makita ‘yong rason. Wala akong kinalaman, hindi ako ‘yong nasasakdal sa impeachment complaint. I do not see the connection,” Escudero said on Monday, June 2, when he was asked if the delays had something to do with the Senate presidency.

(I don’t see the reason. I’m not involved; I’m not the one being accused in the impeachment complaint. I do not see the connection.)

“It has nothing to do — especially given the fact that the 20th Congress will have a totally different composition,” he added.

Political observers believe Escudero is doing a balancing act between moving forward with the trial and appeasing Duterte’s allies in the Senate. To succeed, he needs to ensure he has the necessary votes.

Escudero, however, candidly admitted that he has been talking with his colleagues about work, but kept mum when asked if the Senate presidency was ever brought up.

“Nag-uusap, kaibigan ko naman lahat. Pinag-uusapan ang trabaho, hindi lamang sa 19th, pati na rin sa 20th Congress. Pero ang tingin ko diyan, masyado pang matagal eh. Kung ano man ang sagot ngayon, baka next week, next month, magbago. So, masyadong maaga lahat ng mga usapin at pormahan na ginagawa ngayon,” he added.

(I’m talking with my friends — all of them. We discuss work, not only about the 19th Congress but also the 20th Congress. But from my point of view, it’s still too early. Whatever answer we have now might change next week or next month. So, all these discussions and preparations happening now are too premature.)

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, the last session day before Congress’ three-month break for the midterm elections. The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate that afternoon but were not discussed in plenary.

On Thursday, May 29, Escudero announced that the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment — the first step of the process — was postponed from June 2 to June 11. This sparked rumors that the Senate is already trying to kill the impeachment trial.

Escudero said the postponement was intended to allow them to focus on priority measures during the remaining session of the 19th Congress.

When asked if the actual trial would start on July 30, Escudero said this matter would be addressed by the 20th Congress. (READ: Will the impeachment trial against VP Sara proceed on July 30?)

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros, a staunch critic of the Vice President, warned that if the Senate continues to delay the trial, they would be violating the Constitution.

Senators often act based on public opinion. A recent survey by Social Weather Stations, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, found that 88% of respondents believe the Vice President should face trial. Will Escudero put aside his political ambitions and listen to the public’s voice? – Rappler.com