Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña has questioned Senate President Francis Escudero over the continued delay in convening the Senate as an impeachment court, suggesting that Escudero may be hesitant to act against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Cendaña criticized the Senate’s inaction, calling it a betrayal of constitutional duty and an attempt to shield Duterte from accountability.
He was the first to endorse the impeachment complaint against Duterte in the House of Representatives, arguing that Escudero’s handling of the process treats impeachment as a mere “fashion trend” rather than a serious legal proceeding.
Cendaña emphasized that convening the Senate as an impeachment court is a solemn constitutional duty, not a seasonal political accessory.
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 9 out of 10 Filipinos support Duterte’s impeachment, believing she should face trial to clear her name from corruption allegations.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes charges of corruption, abuse of power, and betrayal of public trust.
She is accused of misusing ₱612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary.
A House investigation scrutinized her expenditures, raising concerns about unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets.
Additionally, Duterte allegedly made death threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
She reportedly claimed in a November press conference that she had contracted an assassin to kill Marcos and his inner circle if she were targeted, later clarifying that her remarks were not a threat but a statement of concern for her safety.
The impeachment trial remains uncertain, as Escudero postponed the reading of the Articles of Impeachment from June 2 to June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress.
Senators allied with Duterte have expressed opposition to the trial, raising doubts about whether the Senate will proceed with the case.