Hontiveros pushes for Senate caucus on Duterte impeachment

On February 26th, Risa Hontiveros, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, supported calls for a Senate caucus to address the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Hontiveros emphasized that there is no legal barrier preventing the Senate from convening as an impeachment court and tackling the Articles of Impeachment immediately, citing constitutional mandates.

She dismissed concerns about her impartiality due to her party's previous endorsement of an impeachment complaint against Duterte, insisting she will approach any trial with an open mind.

Hontiveros welcomed Escudero’s plan for a caucus but urged colleagues to consider Pimentel’s argument that the Senate is not bound by its legislative calendar during an impeachment trial.

She stressed delaying justice until June would be inappropriate and noted some senators might hesitate due to re-election concerns, though fulfilling constitutional duties should take precedence over political considerations.