ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has criticized Senate President Chiz Escudero for supposedly delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Castro says the convening of an impeachment court is not contingent on public clamor, but a constitutional mandate.

"Senate President Escudero misses the point entirely when he asks 'what clamor?' This is not a cheering contest but a matter of constitutional duty," she said.

Her pronouncement came as Escudero maintained that Duterte's trial might only start when the Congress resumes its session in June.

Castro said impeachment does not depend on cheers when it should start. Instead, it is the Senate's "constitutional duty", so "it would be a disservice to the people whom we ought to serve" if it is not done immediately.

"The Constitution sets forth clear procedures for impeachment trials. This is not a matter of whether there is sufficient clamor—it is about fulfilling our duties as public servants in accordance with the law," she said.

The Makabayan lawmaker stressed the urgency to convene the impeachment court, and said that it was now even more critical considering Duterte's move to halt the proceedings through questionable legal tactics.

"The fact that the Vice President is working to stop the convening of the impeachment court makes our call all the more important," she said.

"The Senate should all the more fulfill this duty. Further delays might benefit the impeached VP who is exploring various legal remedies to halt the trial," she added.