House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro today criticized Senate President Chiz Escudero’s stance on delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte until June 2.
“The convening of an impeachment court is not contingent on public clamor – it is a constitutional mandate. Senate President Escudero misses the point entirely when he asks ‘what clamor?’ This is not a cheering contest but a matter of constitutional duty,” Castro emphasized.
“Hindi naman cheering contest ang impeachment. It is their constitutional duty and it would be a disservice to the people whom we ought to serve,” she added.
Castro pointed out that the urgency to convene the impeachment court has become even more critical given VP Duterte’s recent moves to halt the proceedings through questionable legal tactics.
“The fact that the Vice President is working to stop the convening of the impeachment court makes our call all the more important. The Senate should all the more fulfill this duty. Further delays might benefit the impeached VP who is exploring various legal remedies to halt the trial,” Castro explained.
Castro emphasized that the Senate’s constitutional responsibility transcends questions of popular demand or timing. “The Constitution sets forth clear procedures for impeachment trials. This is not a matter of whether there is sufficient clamor – it is about fulfilling our duties as public servants in accordance with the law.”#
