THE Senate went on a four-month recess without discussing the articles of impeachment submitted by the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In an interview with reporters after the plenary session on Wednesday evening, February 5, 2025, when the Senate adjourned to give way to the campaign season for the upcoming polls, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said they have yet to review the documents, perform the necessary staff work, and make an official report on the matter to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
“As the secretary of the Senate, it is my duty to provide complete staff work to the Senate President and to all the members of the Senate,” said Bantug.
The articles of impeachment, which were submitted by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, were formally received by Bantug before 6 p.m.
The Senate adjourned shortly before 7 p.m. The Congress will resume its sessions June 2.
In an interview with reporters, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said the Senate may still convene to act on the case despite being on break.
Earlier, Escudero urged the Senate lawmakers to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the complaint's articles of impeachment, saying that any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public's trust in the Senate as an institution.
“The Senate stands ready to fulfill its constitutional mandate with integrity and impartiality while upholding the national interest. As we navigate this critical juncture in our history, let us remain resolute in our commitment to justice, unity, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” Escudero said.
A first
A total of 215 lawmakers in the House of Representatives backed the seven articles of impeachment against Duterte.
It is the first time in Philippine history that a sitting vice president faces impeachment.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte revolves around six major allegations, each linked to alleged violations of the 1987 Constitution, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws.
It includes Duterte’s involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez; the malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure as secretary from 2022 to 2024; and the bribery and corruption within DepEd.
Also cited in the complaints were Duterte’s unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, her involvement in extrajudicial killings, particularly during her time as the Mayor of Davao City, and for engaging in destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder. (TPM/VoxPop Philippines)