Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile believes that Vice President Sara Duterte does not want to face an impeachment trial. According to Enrile, the Senate’s actions demonstrate this, having tarried the case and even returned the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives.
“I do not know why they have to tarry. You know once an impeachment is filed with the Senate, we have no other choice except to hear, try, and decide it—it will not lapse. Once it is within the jurisdiction of the Senate, it has to discharge its duty to judge the case. It’s a sui juris,” said Enrile in an interview with Neil Mercado of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
When asked why the articles were returned to the House, Enrile said, “Well, frankly, I think there is the semblance—at least this is my opinion—that Sara does not want to face an impeachment trial.”
Enrile admitted that he himself was surprised, and that the public must be feeling confused as well.
“I’m sure the Filipino people who have a little understanding of these things will wonder why things are happening this way. I’m sorry to say this, but even I was a little bit taken aback by the events that transpired. It was very evident that there is a desire to prevent the trial from going through—for what?”
He emphasized that the Filipino people must understand that without following the impeachment process, government officials involved in corruption cannot be held accountable.
What saddened him, he said, was that some senators seem unaware of the responsibilities they’ve taken on. He advised them to study and learn the essence of their role.
“Nalulungkot ako, karamihan nitong mga nasa Senado ngayon marami sa kanila mga kaibigan ko, pero ‘yong mga bago na dapat mag-aral naman sila sana. At malaman nila kung ano talaga ang ibig sabihin nitong, itong trabaho na pumasok sa kanila na dapat niyong sundin,” said Enrile. (ZIA LUNA)
