Hontiveros: Justice demands time

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday stressed the importance of a thorough and deliberate process in handling the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In an interview, Hontiveros said the trial must not be rushed, as the case involves the second-highest official in the country and has far-reaching implications.

“It’s very difficult to imagine rushing a case this important involving the second-highest official of our country. It’s impossible to think this could be resolved even in 19 days,” she said.

Hontiveros warned that the proposed 19-day schedule may not be enough for a case of this magnitude and called for a fair hearing that would bring justice not only to Vice President Duterte but also to the Filipino people.

“We need to bring justice to this process — for both sides, for VP Duterte, and for the Filipino people. Let’s give justice to the public,” she added.

The senator said they are set to officially receive the seven articles of impeachment only on Wednesday, 12 June.

“We will only officially hear the seven articles of impeachment tomorrow. That’s when we’ll begin to get a sense of how long and how heavy the case will be,” she said.

She also dismissed claims that the Senate is not prioritizing the case, emphasizing that while the trial is a priority, it must also be fair and thorough.

Hontiveros noted that even if 12 sitting senators complete their terms before the trial ends, newly elected senators will assume their role as impeachment court judges to ensure continuity.

She also addressed concerns that the trial might stretch into the next Congress, stressing that fairness may require it.

She said all senators are expected to take their oath as judges at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, 11 June.