MANILA, Philippines —Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to convene a special session of Congress to address the ongoing impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Drilon emphasized the importance of holding the impeachment proceedings before the upcoming midterm elections in May, highlighting the urgency of a swift resolution to avoid disrupting the political landscape.
Speaking on Saturday, Drilon urged President Marcos to call the Senate into session to serve as an impeachment court, a role it has historically undertaken in similar situations. The Senate’s role would involve reviewing the charges and evidence against Vice President Duterte with careful deliberation.
Drilon’s call for a special session comes amid growing political tensions and public interest in the impeachment proceedings.
The process, he explained, involves complex legal considerations and must be handled with precision to ensure due process is observed. The urgency of the situation, Drilon noted, cannot be overstated, as the decision reached by the Senate could significantly influence the political landscape ahead of the elections.
Political advocacy group Buhay ang People Power Network also expressed support for Drilon’s call, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the impeachment case. The group emphasized that swift action is essential to maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
In his statement, Drilon reiterated the Senate’s critical role in upholding justice and the rule of law, stressing that the impeachment trial must proceed without delay.
He urged President Marcos to take action and facilitate the necessary steps for the Senate to conduct the trial, emphasizing that this is crucial to ensuring a fair and impartial process.
As the impeachment case unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate’s ability to uphold its constitutional duties and conduct the trial with integrity.