MANILA, Philippines – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday, June 3, sharply criticized the Senate’s handling of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, likening the delay to “dribbling” a ball for four months.

“This is the first time I am seeing a ball being dribbled for four months. Even in basketball, there’s a shot clock,” Hontiveros said, expressing frustration over the prolonged inaction since the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate. She argued that “convening as an impeachment court and commencing trial is expressly mandated by the Constitution. And yet this process has been delayed and dragged on for four long months.”

Her remarks come after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced on Monday that the plenary would ultimately decide on all impeachment matters, and that the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment was moved from June 2 to June 11, citing the need to prioritize other legislative measures in the few remaining session days of the 19th Congress.

Hontiveros, however, asserted that the delay was “no longer procedural.” She pushed back against being called “eager, aggressive, impatient,” stating, “We are not rushing. In fact, we have been waiting. The Filipino people are waiting. And we believe four months is more than enough.” She concluded by urging the the Senate to “follow the rules and start the process ‘forthwith’. Enough games. Time to move.”

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano echoed Hontiveros’s sentiment, stating that there’s no need for the Senate to vote on its constitutional mandate to convene as an impeachment court, and that such a mandate should not be overturned by a simple majority.

Meanwhile, progressive groups, including Bayan, Gabriela, and Kilusang Mayo Uno, rallied at the Senate, urging action on the impeachment complaint. Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino warned of vigils if senators fail to proceed, accusing them of choosing to “conceal, protect thieves, corrupt officials” instead of listening to the people and presenting evidence of corruption.

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