Hontiveros alarmed by delays in impeachment trial: We owe it to Filipinos

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'Sobra-sobra na ang paghihintay ng mga Pilipino. Let us all hope this is the last delay,' says Senator Risa Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines – Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed alarm over the delays in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following the postponement of the presentation of Articles of Impeachment initially scheduled for Monday, June 2.

“Nakakabahala na ang paulit-ulit na antala sa proseso ng impeachment trial. Buwan na ang binibilang natin. Sobra-sobra na ang paghihintay ng mga Pilipino. Let us all hope this is the last delay,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

(The repeated delays in the impeachment trial process are alarming. We’ve been counting months. The Filipino people have waited far too long.)

“We owe it to the Filipino people to convene as an impeachment court and begin the proceedings at the soonest possible time. Anuman ang akusasyon laban kay Vice President Duterte, karapatan ng taumbayan na malaman at mahimay ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng isang transparent na impeachment trial,” she added.

(Whatever the accusations against Vice President Duterte may be, the public has the right to know and scrutinize them through a transparent impeachment trial.)

Hontiveros issued the statement after Senate President Chiz Escudero announced on Thursday, May 29, that the reading of the Articles of Impeachment—the first step in the proceedings—was moved to June 11.

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.

Hontiveros said any further delays in the trial would violate the Constitution. “Hindi ‘kapag ready na,’ hindi ‘kapag convenient,’ kundi ‘shall forthwith proceed.’ Huwag naman sana yang balewalain,” she said.

(Not ‘when ready,’ not ‘when convenient,’ but ‘shall forthwith proceed.’ Hopefully, this will not be ignored.)

In a separate press briefing earlier on Monday, Escudero said that those who think the Senate has violated the Constitution can file a case before the Supreme Court.

A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, showed that 88% of respondents believe the Vice President should face trial.

– Rappler.com