Senate President Francis Escudero denied accusations of deliberately delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, attributing such claims to her political adversaries.
He defended his decision to schedule the reading of the Articles of Impeachment on June 11, just two days before Congress adjourns, saying Filipinos prefer leaders focused on governance over partisan conflict.
Critics, however, warn that the tight timeline undermines due process and could derail the trial before lawmakers’ terms expire.
Legal experts and lawmakers remain divided over whether the trial can continue in the next Congress, with some calling the delays unconstitutional.
Former officials and representatives urged the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty and begin the trial without further obstruction.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 4, 2025
