If the Senate can convene for a hearing during recess, why can't it do the same for Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial?

Thus, asked House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V as the upper chamber continues to delay consideration of the impeachment complaint filed by House members against Vice President Duterte.

Ortega on Wednesday, March 19, says that the Constitution is clear in that "impeachment is a constitutional mandate" and not a political tool.

"If the Senate can convene during recess to discuss other matters, then it should also be ready to deliberate on the impeachment case against the Vice President," he said.

He says impeachment is a serious process that requires transparency, urgency and impartiality. And if there is an allegation filed against an impeachable official, then both Houses of Congress must ensure that it is fair and not biased, he added.

Ortega said that the credibility of government institutions relies on their commitment to upholding accountability.

“Justice delayed is justice denied," he said. 

Although the Senate has prerogative over its schedule, Ortega said its members must still show the same urgency in handling the impeachment case as they do with other pressing issues.

"Kung gusto nating panatilihin ang tiwala ng publiko, kailangang ipakita natin na walang sinoman ang dapat ituring na higit sa batas. Hindi maaaring balewalain ang isang impeachment case na may bigat sa ating demokrasya (If we want to retain the public's trust, we need to show them that we do not allow anybody to go above the law. We should not ignore an impeachment complaint that carries weight for our democracy)," he added.