Philippine Senate Delay Sparks Impeachment Controversy

The Philippine Senate's delay in impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte has sparked controversy. Congress members, including Representative France Castro, question whether the Senate is protecting the Vice President, citing the delay as evidence of potential bias. "Dahil sa delay sa pagsisimula ng impeachment proceedings laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte, tanong ng ilang kongresista—Natatakot o pinoprotektahan ba ng Senado ang bise?" Representative Castro stated. Senate President Chiz Escudero maintains that his actions are in accordance with the law, stating, "Ginagawa lang niya ang sa tingin niya ay tama at naaayon sa batas." The debate is expected to continue, with the articles of impeachment scheduled for discussion in the Senate on June 11. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano added that while a simple majority vote could overturn the constitutional mandate, it shouldn't happen. The issue's political nature makes it unlikely the Supreme Court will intervene at this stage, Senator Koko Pimentel noted. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions in the Philippines.