Manila: Sen. Imee Marcos on Wednesday urged the immediate transmittal and resolution of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that prolonged delays could distract the government from mounting economic problems confronting Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sen. Marcos rejected the House of Representatives' explanation that the delay in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment was due to the reproduction of 'voluminous documents,' calling the justification 'flimsy' and 'unacceptable.' She pointed out that the House has ample personnel and resources, including administrative, legal, records, printing, and information-technology support, to handle such tasks efficiently.
Marcos noted that the House had previously managed to transmit impeachment articles to the Senate on the same day they were approved, labeling the current delay as difficult to take seriously. She argued that the institution could not now claim paperwork had become an insurmountable obstacle.
The senator also raised the possibility that the delay was politically motivated and intended to influence the timing of Senate proceedings. She suggested that the delay appeared less like an administrative concern and more like a political maneuver to control the timing of the Senate proceedings.
Marcos emphasized that the government could not afford to be consumed by prolonged political uncertainty as the country grapples with rising fuel prices, inflation, and other pressing concerns. She highlighted the urgency of addressing the oil crisis, 7.2% inflation, and other national problems, stating that Congress could not be bogged down by avoidable procedural delays.
She expressed a desire for the impeachment proceedings to begin, proceed, and be resolved promptly so that the Senate and the rest of the government could refocus on issues affecting Filipinos. With the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte already approved by the House of Representatives, it is expected to be transmitted to the Senate, which is anticipated to convene as an impeachment court "forthwith."
