The beginning of the much-anticipated “bloodbath” in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte will not happen on June 2 as Senate President Francis `Chiz’ Escudero has moved the presentation of the articles of impeachment from the original schedule of June 2 to June 11.
In a statement, Escudero said that the schedule change was made “to allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns.”
In his letter to Speaker Martin Romualdez, Escudero underscored that during the meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Council (LEDAC) on Thursday, the council resolved to pass important measures listed in the legislative agenda within the 19th Congress including the Anti-Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Act, Judicial Fiscal Autonomy, Virology Institute of the Philippines, Government Optimization Act, Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, and Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-term Lease Act.
Escudero pointed out that with only six session days before the “sine die adjournment”, it is imperative for the Senate and House of Representatives to prioritize the passage of these measures.
Additionally, Escudero mentioned that more than 200 Presidential appointments are set to be reviewed and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments upon the resumption of session on June 2 including that of three Cabinet Secretaries, four officials of constitutional commissions, 39 foreign service officials, and 277 officials of the armed forces.
Earlier this month, the vice president pronounced that she prefers the impeachment proceedings to move forward as she wants a “bloodbath.”
She stressed that whatever the outcome of the trial may be, she will be at peace.
“Alam naman natin ang galaw ng mga abogado mayron silang mga paraan sa batas as a legal recourse for their clients. But sinabihan ko na rin talaga sila, really, I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath talaga,” she said.
