Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III argued that the Senate should not delay the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, noting that it is the chamber's duty to address the matter promptly.
In a letter to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero dated February 14, Pimentel said that the Senate must act immediately on the impeachment, a responsibility clearly outlined in the Constitution.
Pimentel underscored in his letter the constitutional mandate that compels the Senate to act "forthwith" on the impeachment case, as specified in Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution.
"In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House of Representatives, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall FORTHWITH proceed," the letter read.
Moreover, he noted that since it is a constitutional provision, the term "forthwith" must be interpreted in accordance with the Verba Legis rule, meaning it should be given its plain and ordinary meaning.
The Senator provided the definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as an example, citing that the word "forthwith" means without any delay or without an interval of time.
"It synonyms include immediately, instantaneouly, instantly, presently, promptly, right away, right now, straight off, and straightaway, among others," he added.
Pimentel further elaborated that when adhering to the promulgation of the 1987 Constitution in both English and Filipino, the translation would be:
"Kung ang pinanumpaang sakdal o resolusyon sa impeachment ay iniharap ng isang-katlo man lamang ng lahat ng mga Kagawad ng Kapulungan, iyon ay dapat bumuo sa Articles of Impeachment, at dapat isunod AGAD ang paglilitis ng Senado," the letter indicated.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the Filipino translation of "forthwith" is "agad," which conveys a sense of immediacy.
Pimentel reiterated the Senate's duty to act on the impeachment against Duterte "without any delay" or "interval of time."
"Given the gravity of impeachment proceedings, it is imperative that the Senate uphold its duty with urgency, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution," it read.
The House of Representatives previously approved the impeachment complaints with the support of 215 lawmakers, surpassing the required 102 votes to forward the case to the Senate.
The Senate will then conduct a trial to determine whether Vice President Sara Duterte should be removed from office.
Escudero stated that no legal impeachment trial against Duterte will occur during the lower chamber's session break.
In earlier statements, Escudero emphasized that the impeachment trial may be held after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July.
