Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has called on Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to explain why the scheduled presentation of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte was moved from June 2 to June 11.
Originally slated for Monday, the presentation was postponed by Escudero, citing the need to prioritize legislative measures that are part of the administration’s agenda. These measures, according to Escudero, must be passed before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die on June 14.
However, Pimentel emphasized that the impeachment process should not be sidelined, especially since the Senate’s own impeachment rules provide clear timelines for action. He warned that changing the impeachment calendar may disrupt the proceedings, particularly with a full-blown trial already expected to commence in July.
“The impeachment should take precedence as it is a constitutional mechanism. The Senate rules already account for its urgency,” Pimentel said.
Meanwhile, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, and Imee Marcos have expressed their support for Escudero’s decision to reschedule, aligning themselves with the legislative priorities of the current administration.
In a joint statement, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and incoming Rep. Antonio Tinio voiced concern over the delay, saying it fuels public suspicion that the Senate may eventually dismiss the impeachment articles altogether.
“Every delay raises questions about the sincerity of the process,” the statement read.
Vice President Duterte, for her part, said she is unbothered by the delay and has entrusted her legal team to handle the matter. She also welcomed the recent Social Weather Stations survey, which showed that 88% of 1,800 respondents believe she should answer the charges to clear her name.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in February over alleged violations of the Constitution and abuse of public funds. She is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, visiting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at the International Criminal Court facility.
As the Senate prepares for the upcoming session, pressure continues to mount on Escudero to assure the public that the impeachment proceedings will not be compromised for political convenience.