Universities join calls to start impeach trial

Professors, faculty members and alumni of the country's top schools have called on the Senate to proceed immediately with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as suspicions have emerged that the Senate leadership is setting the stage for its termination.

- By BELLA CARIASO

In separate statements, the Ateneo School of Government, Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC), the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law Faculty, the Dela Salle University "La Sallian Family in the Philippines" and professors from the San Beda University Graduate School of Law called on the Senate to start "forthwith" the impeachment trial of Duterte, as further delays or having it shelved would be a violation of the Constitution.

For the Ateneo School of Government, "dispensing the case without the benefit of a trial is a dereliction of duty and a clear attempt to whitewash the accusations raised against a public official."

"The impeachment process is a sacred duty enshrined in our Constitution. It is the primary mechanism to ensure that our elected officials would remain faithful to their sworn duty to serve the public with dedication, commitment and, most importantly, integrity," it said.

"We remind our senators that they are public servants and their mandate is based on the people's trust.

We pray that they would remain true to what the Senate institution stands for: upholding the Constitution, promoting democratic values and serving the national interest. Convene the impeachment court now," the Ateneo School of Government said.

"The Senate, by constitutional design, is entrusted with the solemn duty of acting as an impeachment court. It is a distinct constitutional function that demands impartiality, urgency, and fidelity to the rule of law," the AHRC said.

Senate President Francis Escudero has reset the start of the impeachment trial to June 11 from June 2, triggering insinuations he was deliberately delaying it.

An unsigned draft Senate resolution is making the rounds, seeking the "de facto dismissal" of the impeachment complaint against Duterte without subjecting her to a trial. Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has admitted to being the source of the draft resolution.