A key member of the House prosecution panel expressed frustration Sunday over the delay in the Senate trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the postponement a disservice to the public.
Rep. Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo’s 3rd District, a member of the 11-member House team preparing to prosecute Duterte, criticized the Senate’s decision to push back its formal receipt of the articles of impeachment from 2 June to 11 June.
“The prosecution team is disappointed. This delay is a disservice to the Filipino people,” Defensor said in Filipino during a radio interview. “The sooner we start and finish the impeachment trial, the better for our country and for the vice president.”
Under the original Senate calendar, the articles were set to be transmitted on 2 June, with newly elected senators taking their oaths the following day. However, Senate President Chiz Escudero moved the proceedings to 11 June — just one day before Independence Day — raising concerns that further postponement could follow.
Defensor stressed that the trial can proceed under constitutional rules regardless of the Senate’s legislative calendar, and that it should continue into the 20th Congress until a final verdict is rendered.
He acknowledged the need to conclude priority legislation but emphasized the gravity of the matter.
“This is the highest form of trial. The impeachment of a sitting vice president should not be delayed,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of judicial intervention, Defensor maintained that impeachment is a political process.
“The impeachment trial is a political question. The Supreme Court should not intervene unless there is a clear case of grave abuse of discretion,” he said, adding that the principle of separation of powers should prevail.
Defensor also confirmed that all seven articles of impeachment against Duterte are ready for presentation, although the panel is willing to adjust depending on the Senate’s trial schedule.
“We’re prepared to present evidence on all seven articles,” he said.
Citing recent public opinion data, Defensor said that while some Filipinos oppose the trial, a majority supports moving forward.
“Surveys show that nine out of ten Filipinos want it to proceed to bring clarity,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome — whether conviction or acquittal — everyone should accept the decision.”
Meanwhile, Defensor said he sees no indication that House Speaker Martin Romualdez will be replaced when Congress resumes session on Monday.
“There’s a lot of chatter, but I’ve had no personal conversations or invitations from anyone seeking to unseat him,” he said in Filipino. “From what I can see, Speaker Romualdez will remain in his position.”
Romualdez has been the subject of political speculation in recent weeks amid tensions within the House leadership. However, Defensor’s comments suggest continued support for the Speaker among key members of the chamber.