By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Sen. Imee Marcos on Wednesday urged the immediate transmittal and resolution of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that prolonged delays could distract the government from mounting economic problems confronting Filipinos.
In a statement, Sen. Marcos rejected the House of Representatives’ explanation that the delay in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment was due to the reproduction of “voluminous documents,” calling the justification “flimsy” and “unacceptable.”
“The House has dozens, if not hundreds, of personnel at its disposal, backed by full administrative, legal, records, printing, and information-technology support,” she said.
Marcos noted that the House had previously managed to transmit impeachment articles to the Senate on the same day they were approved, saying the current delay was difficult to take seriously.
“It cannot now pretend that paperwork has suddenly become an insurmountable obstacle,” she said.
The senator also raised the possibility that the delay was politically motivated and intended to influence the timing of Senate proceedings.
“This delay appears less like an administrative concern and more like a political maneuver to control the timing of the Senate proceedings,” she said.
She stressed that the government could not afford to remain consumed by prolonged political uncertainty as the country grapples with rising fuel prices, inflation and other pressing concerns.
“At a time when the country is reeling from an oil crisis, 7.2% inflation, and other urgent national problems, we cannot afford to have Congress consumed by avoidable procedural delays,” she said.
She said she wanted the impeachment proceedings to “begin, proceed, and be resolved in a timely manner” so the Senate and the rest of government could fully refocus on issues affecting Filipinos.
Now that the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte is already approved by the House of Representatives, it is expected to be transmitted to the Senate, which is also expected to convene as an impeachment court “forthwith.” (PNA)
