Khonghun disputes Villar's claim, argues Senate delayed action on Duterte impeachment

On March 6th, Jefferson Khonghun, a House Assistant Majority Leader, disputed Senator Cynthia Villar's claim that the Senate was pressured to act on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte immediately after receiving it. According to Khonghun, the Senate had until February 7th to convene and address the Articles of Impeachment but adjourned early on February 5th.

Khonghun emphasized that the House acted swiftly in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment upon over 215 House members signing as impeachment complainants. He argued that under the Constitution, the Senate is required to act 'forthwith' upon receiving these articles and criticized the delay.

Senate President Francis Escudero defended the Senate's actions by stating it was unfair to pressure senators to act immediately when the House had deliberated on the complaints for months. Escudero also mentioned the tentative start date of July 30th for the impeachment trial.