Monsod criticizes Senate for delaying VP Duterte's impeachment trial

Atty. Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, stated that the Senate must proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following its decision to return the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives.

Monsod criticized the Senate's move as a delay and questioned their motives for not proceeding immediately, emphasizing that determining the complaint's constitutionality is not the Senate's role but rather the Supreme Court’s.

On Wednesday, 18 senators voted to return the articles of impeachment while five opposed it, seeking certification from the House on non-violation of the one-year ban.

Lawyer Audi Bucoy echoed Monsod's sentiment, stressing that senator-judges should maintain impartiality and neutrality as required by their oath.

Senate President Francis Escudero insisted there was no intention to dismiss the case but rather to give prosecutors an opportunity to clarify certain issues without wasting court time.