Impeachment trial vs Duterte not urgent - Sen. Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines - The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is not an urgent matter, reelectionist senator Imee Marcos said.

In an interview in Batangas on Saturday, Feb. 15, Marcos questioned why the articles of impeachment were transmitted late to the Senate.

The House of Representatives impeached the vice president on Feb. 5 - the last session day before Congress went on a four-month break for the 2025 elections. The articles of impeachment were sent to the upper chamber on the same day.

“Dalawang buwan na naka-tengga diyan sa Kongreso. Bakit naman last minute pinadala sa amin. Huwag naman ganun,” said Marcos, who is open about her friendship with Duterte despite the rift between their families.

“Siguro hindi urgent, saka na lang sa Hulyo na lang,” she added.

[Translation: It's been two months just sitting there in Congress. Why was it only sent to us at the last minute? Please don't do that…Maybe it’s not urgent. Let’s just deal with it in July]

Senate President Chiz Escudero earlier said the impeachment trial may begin in the 20th Congress after the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July.

Although Escudero has reminded senators to refrain from commenting on impeachment matters to observe impartiality, Marcos already said she will fight against Duterte’s ouster to the very end.

Senators will serve as impeachment court judges once the trial begins.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report