The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday assured the public that the Senate would act “forthwith” on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, while balancing other urgent national concerns, particularly economic issues affecting Filipinos. Cayetano announced plans to convene an all-member caucus, possibly on Wednesday, to discuss major pending matters, including the handling of impeachment proceedings and committee leadership assignments in the Senate. Among the issues expected to be tackled during the caucus are discussions involving the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and other committee chairmanships, which remain under deliberation among senators. Asked whether the Senate would immediately convene to tackle impeachment matters, Cayetano replied, “forthwith.” He said he consulted former Senate President Vicente Sotto III who recommended that the complaint first be referred to the appropriate committee in accordance with Senate procedures. “We will do what has to be done, and there won’t be delays,” Cayetano said. He added that the Senate leadership intends to proceed within a “reasonable time,” noting that prolonged proceedings could divert lawmakers’ attention from other legislative priorities. “There is no reason to delay,” he said. “The longer this drags out, the more our attention remains focused there, when the country also needs us in other capacities.”
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