Sara Duterte should be convicted, groups clamor outside Senate
RED-LETTER DAYS. Crimson robe to be worn by senator-judges during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. (Photo from Senate)
MANILA, Philippines — Progressive groups trooped to the Senate on Tuesday to pound on the establishment’s gates and appeal for the conviction of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.
Among these progressive groups are Bayan, Gabriela, and Kilusang Mayo Uno.
Group warns: Act or we camp out
Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino said they are willing to hold vigils in front of the Senate if senators fail to act on the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.
“We will make the Senate accountable because, instead of listening to the voices of the people, and instead of showing evidence that there had been corruption, the chamber chose to conceal and protect the thief,” said Palatino.
“What does this teach us? That it is okay to steal? It’s okay to hide confidential funds? That unexplained wealth is okay? That betrayal of public trust is acceptable as long as there’s negotiation between them and those who are in power?” he asked.
“We will not allow that,” he said.
Senate President Chiz Escudero earlier moved the presentation of Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte from June 2 to June 11.
He said the schedule change was made “to allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns.”
The Senate chief likewise clarified that the 19th Congress — even if it convenes into an impeachment court before the present Congress adjourns — “cannot bind” the subsequent Congress with its decisions.
He explained that the 20th Congress will need to reconvene as an impeachment court and decide on its own in terms of the fate of the impeachment trial against the vice president.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in a move that garnered over 200 signatures from lawmakers.
On the same day, Feb. 5, the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted from the House of Representatives to the Senate.
The upper chamber adjourned its sessions on that day.
