​Progressive lawmakers are suspicious over Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero's postponement of the scheduled impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte amid the rumors of its possible dismissal.

Outgoing ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro and incoming Rep. Antonio Tinio on Friday, May 30, expressed "deep concern" over the Senate's decision to move the presentation of the articles of impeachment against Duterte from June 2 to June 11.

They said the delay coincides with the "alarming rumors of a possible dismissal of the impeachment case".

"Every delay in the impeachment trial raises serious doubts about the commitment to hold Vice President Sara Duterte accountable for the alleged anomalies in the disbursement of intelligence funds," Castro said.

"We are particularly disturbed that this postponement is happening amidst talks of dismissing the impeachment altogether. This undermines the justice system and the people's demand for transparency and accountability."

Escudero ​says the postponement would allow senators to prioritize legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns, citing at least 12 important bills that Congress has committed to pass.

​However, both Castro and Tinio​ questioned ​Escudero's reasoning as they argued that accountability and governance were equally urgent priorities.

"The impeachment trial is not just a political process—it is a constitutional mandate to hold public officials accountable for their actions," Tinio​ said.

"It is unacceptable to delay this trial under the pretext of prioritizing other legislative measures. Justice delayed is justice denied​," he added.​

​The two militant lawmakers also raised the implications of this delay on public trust in government institutions. They stressed the importance of swift and transparent action in addressing allegations of corruption.

They reminded the Senate of its role as an impartial arbiter in the impeachment process and urged it to proceed without further delay or undue influence.