Senate leaders urge prompt action on VP Duterte impeachment complaint

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel urged Senate President Francis Escudero to act immediately on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing the constitutional mandate for prompt proceedings.

Former Senator Leila de Lima echoed this sentiment, stating the Constitution mandates the impeachment trial to proceed "forthwith" or immediately upon transmittal of Articles of Impeachment from the lower chamber, not dependent on the Senate President's discretion.

Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros also believes the Senate must promptly convene as an impeachment court once Articles of Impeachment are transmitted.

Bay an Muna Chairperson Neri J. Colmenares suggested President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. call for a special session to compel senators to convene and that the Senate could begin soliciting Duterte's response.

The House of Representatives has already impeached Duterte, with proceedings in the Senate expected to start in the 20th Congress after the July elections.

Escudero has denied allegations of delay, asserting that senators cannot proceed without convening the impeachment court during a regular session.

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