Senate President Chiz Escudero must prove that there is no public interest or desire to immediately begin the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, part of the 11-member House prosecution team, emphasized that, as those closest to the situation, they can confirm that the public is eagerly awaiting the Senate to convene as the impeachment court.
While Luistro respects the Senate's authority over impeachment proceedings, she warned against disregarding the public's sentiment.
Additionally, Luistro refuted the notion that Vice President Duterte had not received due process concerning the allegations leveled against her.
She further explained that Vice President Sara had been invited multiple times to committee hearings, including the budget hearing for her office, but she failed to attend.
The lawmaker also pointed out that when questionable spending in the Department of Education (DepEd) came to light during her time as Secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte disregarded multiple invitations from the Quad Committee to explain whether there were any irregularities in the management of funds.
Senate President Escudero previously dismissed calls to immediately initiate the impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte, despite pressure from various groups.
Furthermore, Escudero reiterated that the Senate will not rush the convening of the chamber as an Impeachment Court while it is in recess, stressing that doing so would be illegal at this time.
Bayan Muna submitted a position paper to the Senate, urging the immediate convening of the Senate as an Impeachment Court.
In addition to Bayan Muna, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III also sent a letter to Escudero, urging the prompt initiation of the impeachment proceedings.
Escudero affirmed that the impeachment proceedings would begin in June, and he sees no issue with it carrying over into the 20th Congress, which will commence in July 2025.
