Statement of Malacañang on Business Groups’ Appeal to Senate over Duterte’s Impeachment Trial
Malacañang reacted to the appeal of some business groups to the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Senate impeachment court has decided to return to the Articles of Impeachment against Vice Pres. Duterte to the House of Representatives. The said move elicited different reactions from the people.
Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero previously stressed that the return of Duterte’s impeachment to the House does not mean a dismissal of the case but countless people tag it as a supposed delaying tactic. According to the Senate Chief, it is a chance for the House prosecution team to address the questions of the senator judges.
Eighteen (18) senator judges supported the motion and only five (5) opposed it. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and Sen. Risa Hontiveros who were among those who opposed the motion alongside senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Sherwin Gatchalian stressed that there is no concept of return in the legal process.
Former Senate Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile stressed that it is clear in the Constitution that the Senate must act “forthwith” on an impeachment. According to him, newbie senators must study to know their job.
Several business groups appealed to the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. The Makati Business Club stressed that the issue is a test of public accountability and the rule of law.
Business groups believe that the issues over Duterte’s impeachment trial may affect investors’ confidence in putting their money in the country. Recently, Malacañang reacted to the appeal of the business groups to the Senate over the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
Based on a report on PhilStar, Malacañang press secretary Atty. Claire Castro reiterated that Pres. Bongbong Marcos will not intervene in the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte but said the Senate must listen to the appeal of the business groups, too. She stressed that they are experts when it comes to attracting investors in the country and what’s better for the economy.
“Let me say this again, the President will not interfere in the Senate process regarding the impeachment trial. But if that is what our business people, our investors in the Philippines, see, they are experts in these things, what will be better for the economy,” the Malacañang official said.
Based on the report, Castro said that Pres. Bongbong Marcos’ simple order is to follow the Constitution and the rule of law. She expressed support on the call of the business groups.
“Let’s keep in mind, the President simply said follow the Constitution and the rule of law. So, if speeding up the impeachment trial is what the business sector sees as necessary, the Senate should also pay attention to it,” Castro said.
Recently, Malacañang said Pres. Bongbong Marcos is not open to any dialogue over the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. Amid the different opinions from the people, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero maintained that there is no limitation to what the Senate impeachment court can or cannot decide.