AKBAYAN Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno on Wednesday echoed public sentiment that the Senate is deliberately delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that continued inaction violates the Constitution.
Diokno’s remarks followed a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that 44 percent of Filipinos believe the Senate is intentionally holding up the proceedings. Only 25 percent disagreed, while the rest were either undecided or unaware.
“Malinaw na malinaw ang utos ng Saligang Batas,” Diokno said. “Kapag naisumite na ang verified complaint na may lagda ng hindi bababa sa isang-katlo ng mga miyembro ng Kamara, tungkulin ng Senado na agad simulan ang paglilitis.”
He emphasized that the months-long delay since the transmission of the Articles of Impeachment constitutes a breach of the Senate’s constitutional duty.
“Kahit anong ginagawa ng Senado na lumilihis sa prosesong ito ay tahasang paglabag sa Konstitusyon,” Diokno said.
He also stressed the public’s right to witness and evaluate the evidence presented: “Sa isang impeachment trial, hindi lang ang senator-judges ang humahatol. Kasama ang sambayanang Pilipino sa paghusga.”
The SWS findings highlight growing public frustration with the stalled trial and calls for transparency and accountability from lawmakers.
