Ejercito: Premature to talk about Sara’s removal
Discussions about Vice President Sara Duterte’s possible removal from office while her impeachment trial is ongoing are “uncalled for” and “premature,” some senators said on Monday.
“It’s as if there’s already a certainty of a guilty verdict,’’ said Sen. JV Ejercito, who welcomed Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s post urging his colleagues to follow the lead of Sen. Francis Escudero, impeachment court presiding officer, who said he would reject any nomination for him to take over if Duterte is convicted.
Duterte, 48, is being tried for allegations of unexplained wealth. Under the Constitution, the President may choose between a senator or a member of the House of Representatives to take over a Vice President who is removed from office.
But Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Cayetano’s suggestion was “uncalled for,” citing the President’s prerogative to choose a nominee.
“What I heard is that Sen. Lito Lapid is somewhat favored. How can he deny Senator Lito the opportunity if he wants it?” Lacson said. —WITH A REPORT FROM ISABELLE PECHAY
