IMPACT LEADERSHIP: ‘Risa supports Koko’s call for impeachment trial to proceed immediately’

IMPACT LEADERSHIP: RISA SUPPORTS KOKO'S CALL FOR IMPEACHMENT TRIAL TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros expressed her full support for Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel's call to convene the Senate Impeachment Court without delay, emphasizing the constitutional mandate requiring an immediate trial for Vice President Sara Duterte.

In an ambush interview in Pangasinan on Tuesday, February 18, Hontiveros echoed Pimentel's position, saying, "Nakikiisa ako dun sa sulat na inilabas ng aking Minority Leader na si Sen. Koko Pimentel na sa kanyang pag-intindi sa Konstitusyon ay malinaw ang utos sa amin na, once ma-transmit sa amin ang Articles of Impeachment, tulad ng nangyari, ay agad po kaming mag-convene."

Earlier, Pimentel sent a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero on February 14, urging immediate action on the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. In the letter, Pimentel cited Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that the Senate must "forthwith" proceed with the trial once the impeachment complaint is transmitted from the House of Representatives.

Pimentel emphasized that the term "forthwith" should be interpreted according to its plain and ordinary meaning, which, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means "without any delay" or "without interval of time". He also referenced the Filipino translation of the Constitution, where "forthwith" is translated as "agad", further reinforcing the urgency of the Senate's duty.

Pimentel urged Escudero to uphold the Senate's constitutional obligation and not allow any delay, stressing that any postponement violates the Constitution.

In conclusion, Pimentel reaffirmed that the Senate's duty is clear, urging it to act immediately on the impeachment trial.