Manila: The Senate impeachment court has accomplished more than critics suggest, its spokesperson said Tuesday, countering allegations that proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte are being deliberately slowed down.

According to Philippines News Agency, lawyer Regie Tongol highlighted the court's key actions since it convened last week, which include the formal organization of the impeachment court, adoption of procedural and supplemental rules, issuance of a compliance order to the House of Representatives to address jurisdictional issues, release of summons to Duterte, and receipt of her defense counsels' formal entry of appearance.

"Claims of foot-dragging are baseless as actions speak louder than words," Tongol stated, emphasizing that routine filings such as motions for clarification, manifestations, or compliance could have been easily submitted since the court convened.

Tongol further questioned the sincerity of those criticizing the process, noting that seven days have passed since the court was first convened without the submission of promised filings. "Mayroon bang nagtanong kung bakit pitong araw na ang lumipas mula ng unang convening ng korte, wala pang anumang ganyang sinasabi nilang gagawin nila ang na-file na sa korte? Kung sa madali at maliit na bagay na mga ganyan may katagalan na sila gumalaw at kailangang umabot pa ng isang linggo, paano na ang mas mga malalaking filing o mosyon pa kaya (Has anyone asked why seven days have already passed since the Court was first convened and yet none of those filings they said they would submit have actually been filed? If it takes them that long to act on small and simple matters like these, needing a whole week, how much longer will it take for bigger filings or motions)?" he said.

He criticized the actions of some litigants who, according to him, are more focused on discrediting the court rather than fulfilling their responsibilities. "It is disrespectful for litigants to question the court with the end goal of merely discrediting it instead of doing their job," Tongol added.

Tongol urged critics to bring their grievances before the court rather than the public, stressing that if their goal is to expedite proceedings, they should file the necessary pleadings instead of 'spending their time attacking the court.'