SENATOR Risa Hontiveros today strongly criticized the continued delays in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the prolonged postponement unacceptable.
In a statement released today, Senator Hontiveros expressed her frustration with the four-month delay, using a striking analogy: “I’ve never seen a basketball game where someone dribbles the ball for four months. Even in basketball, there’s a shot clock.”
Hontiveros emphasized that the Constitution explicitly mandates the Senate to convene as an impeachment court and commence trial promptly.
She rejected accusations of impatience, stating, “In those four months, I’ve been called eager, aggressive, impatient, ‘atat’. But the simple truth is this: We are not rushing. In fact, we have been waiting. The Filipino people are waiting. And we believe four months is more than enough.”
The Senator characterized the delays as deliberate obstructions disguised as procedural protocols. She underscored the gravity of the impeachment process as a crucial mechanism for holding officials accountable, a responsibility entrusted to the Senate by the Filipino people. “This is not something I intend to abandon,” she declared.
Hontiveros concluded her statement with a forceful call for action: “It’s time to follow the rules and start the process forthwith. Enough games. Time to move.”
Her statement reflects growing public concern over the drawn-out impeachment proceedings and demands for a swift resolution. The Senator’s pointed criticism highlights the increasing pressure on the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial without further delay.
