By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of respected law deans, professors, and former jurists warned senators that blocking or delaying the impeachment trial of Sara Duterte could expose them to possible administrative and criminal liabilities under the Constitution and anti-graft laws.
In a strongly worded statement released Monday, the legal scholars stressed that once the House of Representatives transmits the articles of impeachment, the Senate is constitutionally obligated to convene immediately as an impeachment court.
Citing Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution, the group underscored the phrase “trial forthwith proceeds,” arguing that the framers intended the process to begin automatically and without political delay.
Among the signatories were retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna, constitutional expert Antonio La Viña, and legal scholar Ranhilio Callangan Aquino, along with deans from several major Philippine law schools.
The statement criticized what the group described as “brazen attempts” within the Senate to derail or postpone the impeachment proceedings through leadership changes and procedural tactics.
The controversy intensified following the Senate leadership shakeup that installed Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate chief, replacing Vicente Sotto III, just as the impeachment articles were expected to be transmitted.
The law experts also took issue with earlier remarks attributed to Francis Escudero regarding the interpretation of the constitutional term “forthwith,” arguing that any attempt to delay the proceedings contradicts both the plain language and spirit of the Constitution.
According to the statement, a refusal by public officials to perform a constitutionally mandated duty may constitute a dereliction of duty. The group further warned that granting “undue advantage” to an individual through inaction could potentially violate the country’s anti-graft law, Republic Act No. 3019.
The legal scholars also praised the more than 250 lawmakers who voted to advance the impeachment complaint against Duterte, describing their action as an act of political courage.
The House earlier adopted House Resolution No. 989 after the Committee on Justice found probable cause to impeach the vice president on multiple allegations.
ia/xf
