House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, together with ACT Teachers Party-list Rep.-Elect Antonio Tinio, expressed deep concern over the decision of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to move the presentation of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte from June 2 to June 11. The lawmakers pointed out that this delay coincides with alarming rumors of a possible dismissal of the impeachment case.
“Every delay in the impeachment trial raises serious doubts about the commitment to hold Vice President Sara Duterte accountable for the alleged anomalies in the disbursement of intelligence funds,” Rep. France Castro said. “We are particularly disturbed that this postponement is happening amidst talks of dismissing the impeachment altogether. This undermines the justice system and the people’s demand for transparency and accountability.”
“Ang bawat araw ng pagkaantala sa impeachment trial ay nagdadagdag ng pangamba na maaring pinaplantsa na ang pagbabasura sa kaso. Hindi ito makatarungan sa taumbayan na naghahanap ng hustisya at katotohanan,” Castro added.
Senate President Escudero announced that the delay was meant to prioritize legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns, citing at least 12 important bills that Congress has committed to pass. Castro and Tinio, however, questioned this reasoning, emphasizing that accountability and governance are equally urgent priorities.
“The impeachment trial is not just a political process—it is a constitutional mandate to hold public officials accountable for their actions,” said Rep.-Elect Antonio Tinio. “It is unacceptable to delay this trial under the pretext of prioritizing other legislative measures. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
“Ang impeachment trial ay hindi dapat ituring na pangalawa lamang sa mga iba pang panukalang batas. Ito ay mandato ng Saligang Batas para tiyakin na may pananagutan ang mga nasa kapangyarihan. Inabot na nga ito ng ganitong katagal tapos lalo pang papatagalin. Ang pagkakaantala nito ay pagpapakita ng kawalang respeto sa proseso ng hustisya,” Tinio added.
The lawmakers also raised the implications of this delay on public trust in government institutions, stressing the importance of swift and transparent action in addressing allegations of corruption. They reminded the Senate of its role as an impartial arbiter in the impeachment process and urged it to proceed without further delay or undue influence.
“We call on the Senate to uphold its constitutional responsibility and ensure that the impeachment trial proceeds without any further delays or attempts to dilute its purpose,” Castro stated. “The Filipino people deserve to know the truth, and they deserve justice.”
“Ang Senado ay may pananagutan na tiyakin na ang proseso ng impeachment ay isinasagawa nang walang kinikilingan at walang pag-antala. Ang katotohanan at hustisya ay dapat manaig para sa bayan,” Tinio concluded.
ACT Teachers Party-list reaffirmed its commitment to stand with the Filipino people in the fight for transparency, accountability, and justice. The group called on the public to remain vigilant and to continue demanding answers from public officials, regardless of their position or political influence. #
