THE Senate minority bloc on Monday called on the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court and begin Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial, warning that continued delays undermine the Constitution and public trust.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, in a privilege speech, criticized the four-month delay since the House transmitted the articles of impeachment on February 5.
He argued that the inaction fuels suspicion that the Senate is stalling or abandoning its duty.
Citing Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution, Pimentel emphasized that once the articles are received, the trial “shall forthwith proceed.” “‘Forthwith’ means without delay—agad-agad,” he said, underscoring that the law provides no room for postponement.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros echoed the call, urging the Senate President to take his oath as presiding officer and to swear in the senators as judges. “The Constitution is clear. The trial must begin immediately,” she said.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes charges of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, conspiracy to commit murder, misuse of funds, and unexplained wealth.
The minority bloc also proposed concrete steps to launch the trial, warning that further inaction risks deeper erosion of confidence in the Senate.