Ateneo School of Gov't joins call for VP Sara impeachment trial
'We stand for ethical leadership in public service,' ASoG said in a statement released on Saturday.
'We call on the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional duty and to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,' it said.
ASoG's statement came on the heels of San Beda University Graduate School of Law professors' —including retired Supreme Court Associate Justices Adolf Azcuna and Jose Vitug, and graduate school dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino— call for the Senate to hear the articles of impeachment against the Vice President.
Meanwhile, over 100 members of the UP College of Law faculty called on the Senate to start the impeachment trial and "let the truth unfold."
In an open letter, the UP College of Law faculty members called on the Senate to comply with the constitutional duty to "forthwith proceed" with the trial.
'Dereliction of duty'
ASoG, in its statement, said that 'dispensing the case without the benefit of a trial is a dereliction of duty and a clear attempt to whitewash the accusations raised against a public official.'
'The impeachment process is a sacred duty enshrined in our Constitution. It is the primary mechanism to ensure that our elected officials would remain faithful to their sworn duty to serve the public with dedication, commitment, and, most importantly, integrity,' the Ateneo institution said.
ASoG reminded senators that 'they are public servants and their mandate is based on the people's trust.'
'We pray that they would remain true to what the Senate institution stands for: upholding the Constitution, promoting democratic values, and serving the national interest,' it added.
In a similar call, the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) Board of Trustees urged the Senate 'to fulfill its constitutional mandate by immediately commencing the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.'
'This long-overdue obligation has been delayed and such inaction raises serious concerns regarding transparency and institutional integrity,' PPSA said.
'While impeachment is inherently political, it is first and foremost a constitutional mechanism for ensuring accountability among the country's highest officials. In a functioning democracy, no public official, regardless of their popularity or political influence, is above scrutiny,' PPSA added.
19th Congress
The House impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint.
The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate the same day but the Upper Chamber adjourned without addressing the case.
On February 25, Escudero said the processes related to Duterte's impeachment trial would start on June 2.
However, Escudero on May 29 said the presentation of the articles of impeachment before the Senate was moved to June 11 to prioritize the passage of the items in the administration's legislative agenda before the end of the 19th Congress.
Escudero said that based on the law, Duterte will be given 10 days, or up to June 21, to respond, which could be extended upon her request.
The 19th Congress is set to end on June 30.
Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday said the impeachment case against Duterte will be considered 'functionally dismissed' if the Senate impeachment court is unable to finish the trial before June 30.
Asked if Duterte's impeachment trial is considered dead or will be pushed through in the 20th Congress, Escudero said the senators will vote on the matter.
Duterte was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
The Vice President has denied the allegations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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