Escudero Changes Schedule of VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial amid Nearing End of 19th Congress
SARA DUTERTE – Several groups protested outside the gates of the Senate following the changes in the schedule of the impeachment trial.
The start of the impeachment process against Vice Pres. Duterte did not push through based on when it was initially scheduled. Prior to it, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero announced that the impeachment proceedings against Duterte will be moved from June 2 to June 11.
According to Escudero, the House of Representatives and the Senate have a legislative agenda to prioritize in line with the pursuit of Pres. Bongbong Marcos to align the government with the demands of the people. He also claimed that there are more than 270 presidential appointments that the Commission on Appointments has to review.
The 19th Congress is set to adjourn on June 14. According to the Senate President, even if the impeachment court has convened before the 19th Congress adjourned, the 20th Congress still has the say on whether or not the trial will push through. He stressed that the 19th and 20th Congress are not binding.
The decision of the Senate to postpone the impeachment trial process against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte elicited different reactions from the people. Former Senator and now Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima claimed that Escudero allegedly violated the Constitution over his decision to delay the impeachment process.
Sen. Koko Pimentel who is a former Senate President said he will ask the Senate President about his thought process that he changed the schedule he initially set. In a press conference, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero claimed that the change in the schedule of the impeachment process against the Vice President will not benefit or jeopardize any camp.
Following the changing of the schedule of the impeachment process against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, several groups trooped outside the gates of the Senate. Based on a report on Inquirer, they are appealing for the conviction of the Vice President.
The groups that gathered outside the Senate compound include Bayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and Gabriela. Based on the report, Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino said they are willing to hold vigils in front of the Senate if the lawmakers of the upper chamber will fail to act on the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President.
“We will make the Senate accountable because, instead of listening to the voices of the people, and instead of showing evidence that there had been corruption, the chamber chose to conceal and protect the thief,” he said.
Based on the report, the Bayan Secretary General further raised questions on what the matter is allegedly teaching the Filipino people.
“What does this teach us? That it is okay to steal? It’s okay to hide confidential funds? That unexplained wealth is okay? That betrayal of public trust is acceptable as long as there’s negotiation between them and those who are in power?” he expressed.
Amid the issues, House Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the people to respect the decision of Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero and the upper chamber. To recall, the lower House impeached the Vice President last February 5.