Senators push to postpone reading of Articles of Impeachment
Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo from House of Representatives.
MANILA, Philippines — More senators have expressed support for postponing the reading of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Among these senators was Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who explained that he was in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting with leaders of Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“In the Ledac meeting, the body agreed to approve 12 bills within the 19th Congress. In order to do so, the Senate needs to focus on the 12 bills in the next 6 session days. Some of the committees will have to conduct BiCams, consultative meetings and even hearings to finalize the 12 bills,” said Gatchalian in a statement.
Senate President Chiz Escudero postponed the presentation of Articles of Impeachment against Duterte from June 2, rescheduling it to June 11.
In a statement on Thursday, Escudero said the change in schedule was made “to allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns.”
READ: Presentation of impeachment articles vs Sara Duterte moved to June 11
Gatchalian, for his part, said he is in favor of tackling priority legislation first before moving on with the impeachment trial process.
“I do agree to devote the next two weeks to finish the remaining bills and other legislative priorities before converting itself into an impeachment court,” he said.
Sen. Imee Marcos, meanwhile — a known Duterte ally and critic of her brother’s administration — said it is just right to prioritize key measures.
“It is just right to prioritize these priority measures because these would help our nation and not the impeachment which is just pure politicking,” she told reporters in a mix of Filipino and English.
READ: Escudero: If Sara Duterte is impeached, President will nominate VP
The reading of the Articles of Impeachment would allow the Senate to convene into an impeachment court and tackle the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. /jpv
