Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday reiterated that the chamber is strictly adhering to legal procedures in handling the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, dismissing accusations of delay and political bias as 'unfounded.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero rejected accusations in a radio interview that he is protecting Duterte due to political alliances. 'Kung anong sinasabi ng batas 'yon lang ang sinusunod ko, sinuman ang paboran niyan. Kakamadali, kakamadali, lalong tatagal pa 'yan (I just follow what the law says, whoever benefits from it. The more we rush it, the more it will be delayed),' he said, referring to the impeachment proceedings.

Escudero also dismissed insinuations that foreign influence, including China, had any role in the Senate's actions. 'China man, America man, o kahit sino man. wala akong nakikitang rason o dahilan o basehan para sabihin ninoman na napapakialaman o nadidiktahan kami (Whether it's China, America, or anyone else... I see no reason or excuse or basis for anyone to say that we are being interfered with or dictated to),' he said.

The House of Representatives' prosecution panel recently filed a motion before the Senate to compel Duterte to respond to the Articles of Impeachment against her. In a motion titled 'Entry with Motion to Issue Summons,' the House prosecution panel called on Escudero to issue a writ of summons directing Duterte to submit her answer within 10 days upon receipt.

However, Escudero argued that the impeachment court cannot be convened during congressional recess and that the issuance of a writ of summons must wait until the Senate resumes session on June 2, when there is a plenary.