Senate chief told: Begin Duterte's impeachment trial immediately

A COALITION of civil society groups urged the Senate on Tuesday to promptly begin the impeachment trial of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio, citing concerns over repeated delays in the proceedings.

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“We... express great alarm over recent delays in the impeachment proceedings of Vice-President Sara Duterte,” the group, which consists of priests, academics and youth leaders, said in a statement.

Senate President Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero last week deferred the scheduled presentation of charges against Ms. Duterte to June 11 from June 2, citing the need for the chamber to prioritize pending bills and act on presidential appointments.

Mr. Escudero added that it would also be up to the Senate plenary to decide on the schedule of the VP’s impeachment trial.

“Is he afraid of Sara Duterte?” Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendaña said in a separate statement, warning the Senate chief that his “continued delay” in convening the impeachment court could be tantamount to betraying the chamber’s constitutional mandate.

“This is not Paris Fashion Week,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. “Convening the Senate as an impeachment court is a solemn constitutional duty, not a seasonal accessory you put on or discard depending on the political weather or one’s personal agenda.”