As the Senate moves to formally begin the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate Deputy Minority Floor Leader Risa Hontiveros emphasized on Tuesday, June 10, that the process should not be rushed, saying that the gravity of the case demands a deliberate and fair hearing.
“Napakahirap isiping ang ganitong kaimportanteng kaso sa ikalawang pinakamataas na opisyal ng ating bansa… imposibleng isipin na matatapos iyan kahit sa 19 days pa,” Hontiveros said in a DZRH Damdaming Bayan interview.
“Wala po talagang express lane sa impeachment at hindi ito online shopping na may express delivery,” she added.
She also emphasized that both the Vice President and the Filipino people deserve justice, concerning that the 19-day timetable being floated is insufficient for a case of such national importance.
“Kailangan po nating bigyan ng hustisya ang prosesong ito, ang dalawang panig, panig ni VP Duterte, at ang taumbayan. Bigyan po natin ng hustisya ang taumbayan,” she said.
This statement comes amid growing anticipation over how the Senate will handle the upcoming proceedings, with the official presentation of the seven articles of impeachment set for June 11.
“Bukas pa lamang namin maririnig officially ang 7 articles of impeachment. Doon pa lamang kami magsisimulang magkaroon ng sense kung gaano katagal at kabigat ang mga ito,” Hontiveros explained.
“Wala nang makapagsasabi na walang impeachment court na didinig sa impeachment complaint laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte,” Hontiveros declared.
She noted that the trial calendar has yet to be established and that senators will only begin work on the structure and timing of the proceedings after the articles are read.
“May existing rules mula sa mga nakaraang impeachment trials at posibleng i-affirm lang namin iyon at i-retain,” Hontiveros said, noting that establishing the trial calendar is among the top agenda items for the impeachment court.
The senator stressed that the impeachment process is not just about speed, but about accountability and due process for both the accused and the public.
Though the seven articles of impeachment have yet to be discussed in detail, Hontiveros stated that tomorrow's presentation will give the Senate its first official look at the charges and allow for further deliberation on the scope and depth of the proceedings.
“Hindi ko pa po masabi kung babawasan ba o as is ang 7 articles of impeachment kasi as in bukas pa lamang namin maririnig officially ang 7 articles of impeachment,” she explained.
“Doon pa lamang kami magsisimulang magkaroon ng sense kung gaano katagal at kabigat ang mga ito.”
Impeachment to proceed in 20th Congress
Hontiveros also addressed concerns about the continuity of the trial into the 20th Congress, which begins after the current legislative session ends. She reiterated that a fair trial could extend well into the 20th Congress.
“Dapat lamang kung hindi matapos ang 19th Congress ang aming trabaho sa impeachment trial na ito, ay tumawid ito sa 20th Congress. Doon po namin tapusin ang aming tungkulin,” she stated.
Hontiveros further reassured the public that the transition will not disrupt proceedings.
Moreover, she underscored that even if 12 current senators end their terms before the trial concludes, incoming senators will be sworn in as senator-judges to ensure continuity.
Hontoveros stated that all senators are expected to take their oath as senator-judges, at 4:00 p.m. on June 11.
