Senate's Procrastination: A Constitutional Betrayal?
Confronting Delays: The Impeachment Woes
The dramatic political theater of the Philippines once again reached a boiling point as the Senate received the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as early as February. However, Senate President Francis Escudero faced backlash for delaying proceedings, interpreting the word ‘forthwith’ to mean an incubation period of four months. On June 10, 2025, the Senate finally convened as an impeachment court, forced into action by public dissatisfaction.
Voices of the Constitution’s Guardians
Amidst this delay, significant figures such as Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, emerged as vocal critics. He highlighted that assessing the constitutionality of the impeachment articles isn’t the Senate’s role but the Supreme Court’s, stating, “They are not senators for Duterte.” His frustrations were echoed by Rep. Gerville Luistro and Rep. Chel Diokno, who both opposed the Senate’s remanding actions, describing them as an “abandonment of the Constitution.”
A Question of Loyalty and Duty
This traffic of power and duty raises crucial questions: whom do the senators truly serve? Monsod’s poignant observation leaves a lingering question of whether the Senate acts on behalf of the people’s mandate or is influenced by allegiance to Duterte. The majority of senators appear intent on derailing the impeachment case, sparking concern about their willingness to uphold constitutional duty.
Forthwith in Ambiguity: A Political Power Play
By stretching ‘forthwith’ into a subjective narrative, Escudero led 17 other senators into a stance that many view as being lords over, rather than servants of, the Constitution. This move hints at a deep-rooted fear of confronting undeniable evidence that the House of Representatives might present, suggesting a hesitancy to fulfill their role as unbiased judges.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The lingering questions are stark: have the senators overshadowed the Constitution with their interpretation, and does the Senate’s sluggish response betray public trust? As discussions continue, the Philippine Senate stands under scrutiny, challenged to reaffirm their allegiance to the very Constitution they swore to protect.
According to SunStar Publishing Inc., these developments have captured the attention and concerns of citizens nationwide. The unfolding events serve as a reminder that the Constitution must remain the guiding principle for those in power, ensuring that justice prevails and the people’s voice is not hushed.
