Makati Business Club urges Senate to proceed with VP Duterte’s impeachment trial

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

'The Senators, individually, and the Senate, as an institution, will betray public trust and not provide the Vice President with the forum to refute charges if they do not proceed with the impeachment trial,' the Makati Business Club says

MANILA, Philippines – The Makati Business Club (MBC) on Monday, June 9, urged the Senate to convene the impeachment court and proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement, the MBC said it viewed impeachment as a governance issue and a test of public accountability and the rule of law.

“If we do not follow the rule of law, how can we expect to attract foreign and even local investors to bring in long-term investments, which would lead to the creation of jobs?” the MBC wrote.

MBC added that the impeachment trial provides Duterte with the forum to determine if the charges against her have basis.

“The Senators, individually, and the Senate, as an institution, will betray public trust and not provide the Vice President with the forum to refute charges if they do not proceed with the impeachment trial,” the business group said.

Senate President Chiz Escudero earlier gave little assurance that the upper chamber would convene into an impeachment court by Wednesday, June 11.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also said she will formally move to commence the opening rites of Duterte’s trial.

The impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of violating the Constitution by conspiring to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It also charges her with the illegal disbursement of her P612.5 million confidential fund as head of the Office of the Vice President and education secretary, among others. – Rappler.com