Hontiveros optimistic of Sara Duterte impeachment trial in 20th Congress

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'Magko-crossover po talaga. May confidence ako doon dahil doon mismo, pangalawang condition sa motion na inaprubahan nila,' says Senator Risa Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines – Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed optimism that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will move forward in the 20th Congress, following delays.

“It is pushing through. As we speak, the impeachment trial against VP Duterte is alive and ongoing,” Hontiveros said in a Rappler Talk interview on Tuesday, June 17. (The episode will air t 6 pm on Tuesday.)

“Magko-crossover po talaga…. May confidence ako doon dahil doon mismo, pangalawang condition sa motion na inaprubahan nila, addressing the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress. So, hindi po natigil o napatay ‘yung impeachment trial,” she added.

(It really will cross over…. I’m confident about that because the second condition in the motion they approved directly addresses the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress. So, the impeachment trial wasn’t stopped or killed.)

The impeachment trial against Duterte — who faces allegations of corruption, among other charges — has been delayed twice since the House impeached her on February 5. Although the complaint was transmitted to the Senate on the same day, the upper chamber took no action.

When the Senate adjourned sine die on June 10, it remanded the impeachment articles to the House. Speaker Martin Romualdez described the Senate’s move as “deeply concerning” but Senate President Chiz Escudero asserted that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, did not violate the Constitution.

In remanding the complaint to the House, the Senate is asking the lower chamber to certify that it did not violate the Constitution by setting aside the first three complaints. Additionally, the Senate seeks confirmation that the House still intends to pursue the impeachment trial during the 20th Congress.

The Senate’s move echoed Duterte’s petition before the Supreme Court, which challenges the validity of the fourth impeachment complaint, arguing that it violates the constitutional one-year ban on filing successive impeachment complaints in the House.

Summons have been issued to the Vice President. On Monday, June 16, her defense lawyers formally entered their appearance through the Senate secretary, acting as Clerk of Court. This move officially recognized Duterte’s legal representation before the Senate, with a total of 16 lawyers listed as part of her defense team.

Hontiveros said that the Senate should follow the Constitution and hold a trial to hand a verdict.

“This really matters. Kasi kung hindi po tayo susunod sa ating Constitution, kung hindi po gaganap ang Senado sa isang pinakamataas na tungkulin niya, kung hindi didinigin ang mga ebidensya, mga testigo, tungkol sa issue ng accountability ng pangalawang pinakamataas na opisyal ng ating gobyerno, paano natin ilalagay sa ayos ‘yung mismong gobyernong iyon?” Hontiveros said.

(Because if we don’t follow our Constitution, if the Senate fails to carry out one of its highest duties, if it does not hear the evidence and witnesses regarding the accountability of the second-highest official in our government, how can we expect to put that very government in proper order?) – Rappler.com