MAKE NO mistake. The 1987 Philippine Constitution is clear: once the House of Representatives transmits articles of impeachment, the Senate “shall forthwith proceed” with the trial. Just to set things straight, this is not merely procedural but a constitutional mandate designed to ensure accountability and uphold public trust in government institutions.
Don’t you just find it ironic then to watch and hear our honourable lawmakers in the Senate debate lengthily on their interpretation and meaning of the word “forthwith” including its Filipino translation instead of upholding their sworn duty to the Constitution and the Filipino people?
Legal experts and former lawmakers have emphasized that “forthwith” means immediate action. Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel III pointed out that the Constitution’s use of “forthwith” implies urgency, and any delay contradicts this intent.
No less than former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte can continue in the 20th Congress if the Senate starts it before adjourning on June 13.
In a Facebook post, he explained that an impeachment trial is a constituent power.
Azcuna, who drafted the part of the 1987 Constitution on the accountability of public officers, clarified that the impeachment does not fall under the rule that unfinished business lapses with the outgoing Congress “because the Constitution says the opposite—that the trial must ‘proceed’, meaning it must continue until it is finished.”
He also noted that dismissing the case would be a grave violation of Article XI, emphasizing that “forthwith” means “immediately and without unreasonable delay or in the national language official version ‘agad-agad.’
This delay is not just a matter of legal interpretation; it also has significant political implications. Several senators have made no qualms in expressing their support for VP Duterte, calling for the outright dismissal of the impeachment before it could even start. Sen. Bato dela Rosa, a Duterte ally, admitted on June 4 that the draft resolution seeking “de-facto dismissal” of the impeachment trial came from his office even saying he is trying to gather votes from among his colleagues.
Such action, or inaction from our esteemed senators raises questions about the Senate’s commitment to its constitutional duties and whether political considerations are influencing its actions.
The delay also has broader implications for the Filipino people. The impeachment process is a crucial mechanism for ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. By postponing the trial, the Senate is depriving the public of a transparent and timely examination of the allegations against the Vice President. This not only undermines public trust in the political system but also denies the public the opportunity to understand the full scope of the issues at hand.
After all, the impeachment might just be an opportunity for VP Sara Duterte to vindicate herself and prove all her critics wrong. She is facing multiple charges that can cause her removal from office. The charges include culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. All these originated from the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds during her concurrent tenure as vice president and education secretary from 2022 to 2024. Isn’t this the proper time and venue to clear her name, once and for all? Or is she afraid that the impeachment would uncover more truths?
The Senate’s delay in initiating the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President is a disservice to the Constitution and the Filipino people. It is imperative that the Senate acts promptly to fulfil its constitutional duty and uphold the principles of accountability and transparency. The public deserves nothing less.
