De Lima warns of impeachment trial delay tactics

Incoming ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima expressed concern that the postponement of the presentation of impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte from June 2 to June 11 may be a strategy to derail the impeachment trial.

She warned that by June 11, the Senate might vote not to proceed with the trial, citing a perceived lack of votes for conviction.

De Lima believes an impeachment trial must commence once a verified complaint receives approval from more than one-third of the House of Representatives.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada dismissed de Lima's claims as "grandstanding" and "chismis" (gossip), accusing her of "naniniwala sa chismis" (believing in gossip).

Estrada assured that the Senate "will not abandon its Constitutional duty to hear the impeachment case against the Vice President."

Senate President Francis Escudero cited the need to pass legislative priorities as the reason for the delay, though de Lima suspects it is to "kill the impeachment trial."