Romualdez lauds Escudero for ‘commitment to upholding due process’ ahead of VP Sara’s impeachment trial
Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday commended Senate president Francis Escudero for preparing thoroughly for the trial of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte in the Senate.
In a statement, the leader of the lower chamber pointed out that the Senate’s preparations showed its “commitment to upholding due process and ensuring a fair and impartial impeachment trial.”
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Senate president Escudero and the entire Senate for their readiness and professionalism in handling this historic proceeding,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker assured the public that the House of Representatives’ 11-man prosecution team is “ready to present the case as soon as the impeachment court is convened.”
“We trust that the Senate will carry out its constitutional duty and proceed with the trial without unnecessary delays, in accordance with the rule of law,” he said, adding, “Based on the House prosecutors’ report, they (prosecutors) are ready to present the case any time the impeachment court convenes.”
The prosecution panel members assured him that they were meticulously reviewing the evidence and legal arguments to ensure a solid and fact-based presentation before the impeachment court.
Inspection of work area
On Tuesday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco inspected the work area designated for the impeachment prosecution panel and the secretariat support group in the Senate building.
“The House prosecution panel will have the necessary facilities to conduct their work efficiently. We have the Senate to thank for this. It ensures that our representatives can fulfill their constitutional duty to present the impeachment case in a dignified and professional manner,” Romualdez said.
He added: “The Senate, led by Senate president Escudero, has taken decisive steps to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place. This level of coordination between the House and the Senate is vital in upholding our democratic processes.”
“This is about ensuring that our democratic institutions remain strong, credible, and accountable to the Filipino people. I trust that the Senate will exercise its role as the impeachment court with the utmost fairness and independence,” the Speaker added.
Test of commitment to accountability
Romualdez underscored the importance of the impeachment trial in demonstrating the strength of the country’s democratic institutions.
“This is a test of our commitment to accountability and the rule of law. The world is watching, and we must show that the Philippines stands firmly on the side of justice,” he said.
For his part, Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega V maintained that if the Senate could hold hearings during recess, it could also proceed with the impeachment process against Duterte by convening an impeachment court.
According to the La Union representative, the “Constitution is clear—impeachment is a constitutional mandate, not a political tool. If the Senate can convene during recess to discuss other matters, then it should also be ready to deliberate on the impeachment case against the Vice President.”
Ortega pointed out that impeachment was a serious process requiring transparency, urgency and impartiality, and that the credibility of government institutions depended on their commitment to upholding accountability.
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