The impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte has been a hot topic, and through all the procedural twists and turns, one senator has consistently stood out for her principled and persistent stance: Senator Risa Hontiveros.
It's easy to get lost in the legal jargon and political maneuvering, but Senator Risa has been a clear voice, always bringing the discussion back to the core principles of our Constitution and accountability. She's not just a senator-judge; she's been a relentless advocate for a fair, swift, and constitutional process.
Remember that moment when the impeachment articles were sent back to the House? Many of us were probably scratching our heads, wondering why things were being delayed. Senator Risa was right there with us, expressing her frustration with the "deferrals and clarifications." She famously likened the situation to a "PBA finals" game, where the ball was being dribbled back and forth, instead of the impeachment court moving forthwith as the Constitution mandates. That iconic line perfectly captured the sentiment of many who wanted to see the process move forward without unnecessary political theatrics. She rightly pointed out that clarifications could have been sought directly from the House prosecutors, avoiding the entire "back-and-forth."
One of Senator Risa's most significant contributions has been her unwavering insistence on the Senate's constitutional duty to act "forthwith" on the Articles of Impeachment. She's consistently cited the Constitution and even quotes from its framers, like Justice Adolfo Azcuna, who emphasized that "forthwith" means "immediately and without unreasonable delay, or in the national language official version, agad-agad." This wasn't just a legal argument; it was a strong reminder that the Senate has a non-negotiable mandate to try and decide. Her commitment to this core principle has been a guiding light in a process often clouded by procedural debates.
When the discussions revolved around merely starting the "opening rites" of the trial, Senator Risa, as part of the minority bloc, was instrumental in formally moving for these initial formalities to proceed. She argued that these "oath and formality" steps wouldn't even take an hour and that delaying them was simply a tactic to defer the inevitable. Her clear message was, "Let's not pretend an hour is too much to ask," highlighting the urgency of fulfilling their constitutional role.
When the Senate voted to return the articles of impeachment, Senator Risa was one of the few who stood against it. She didn't mince words, raising red flags about the motion's "vague" and "ambiguous" language. She even called out what she perceived as "gaslighting" – twisting words to confuse and justify delays.This highlights her sharp legal mind and her commitment to clarity and transparency, especially in such a crucial proceeding that affects public trust.
Senator Risa Hontiveros's role in the Vice President's impeachment trial has been more than just a vote. She has been a consistent, principled voice for constitutional fidelity, due process, and timely action. Her interventions have underscored the critical importance of a vigilant Senate that holds the line on accountability, even when faced with significant political pressures.
It's inspiring to see a public servant so dedicated to upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions. What are your thoughts on Senator Risa's contributions during this impeachment trial? Share them in the comments below!
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