Pimentel Urges Swift Action on VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has pressed Senate President Francis Escudero to expedite the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing the urgency mandated by the Constitution. In a letter dated February 14, Pimentel invoked Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, which stipulates that the Senate must commence a trial immediately upon receiving impeachment articles from the House of Representatives. He emphasized the term ‘forthwith,’ interpreting it to mean ‘without delay’ as per the Verba Legis Rule, and highlighted the Filipino translation ‘agad,’ which also signifies immediate action. Pimentel stressed that the Senate has a clear obligation to act promptly on the matter. Senate President Escudero has refuted claims of stalling the process, noting that the Senate cannot proceed without convening the impeachment court during a regular session. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros echoed Pimentel’s call for the Senate to convene post-transmittal of the impeachment articles, while also stressing the need for senators to maintain neutrality as potential judges in the impeachment trial. Hontiveros expressed her support for Pimentel’s constitutional interpretation during the inauguration of the Manaoag Tourists Assistance Center in Pangasinan.