Libanan urges swift start to Sara Duterte's impeachment trial

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan emphasized the urgency of starting Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial to safeguard government integrity and maintain public trust.

Libanan noted that delays could provide opportunities for obstruction, such as intimidation of witnesses or manipulation of the system, which would weaken institutional legitimacy.

He stressed that swift action during an impeachment process sets a precedent against future misconduct by high-ranking officials and sends a strong message that wrongdoing will not be tolerated.

Speaker Martin Romualdez reaffirmed the House's readiness to present the case as soon as the Senate convenes, urging the Senate to proceed without unnecessary delays.

The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted from the House to the Senate on February 5, and the Senate plans to reconvene in June to approve the revised impeachment rules before commencing the trial.