Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano assured the public on Tuesday that the Senate is prepared to act immediately on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte once the articles are formally transmitted from the House of Representatives.
Following a leadership shake-up that saw him replace Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Cayetano sought to dispel concerns that the transition would hamper the high-profile constitutional process.
“Forthwith. So, I consulted also Senator Sotto. Sabi niya, process, ibigay muna sa committee on rules. So, we will do what has to be done and there won’t be delays.”
The House of Representatives voted on Monday to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate, effectively transforming the upper chamber into an impeachment court. Cayetano emphasized that while the trial is a priority for government accountability, the Senate must remain efficient to avoid neglecting other national concerns.
“The country needs us in other capacities. So the longer this drags out, the more yung attention namin nandyan. But it’s such an important accountability process. So we will give it full attention.”
The Senate President noted that he plans to convene the chamber soon to establish the framework for the trial.
However, he maintained that the legislative body must continue to address pressing national matters alongside the proceedings.
“But remember, hindi pwedeng impeachment lang… because there’s so many primarily economic issues that we have to face.”