Manila, Philippines — The Bantay Impeachment Network called for the usage of the Filipino language in the proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
According to BI Network, the trial should be conducted in a manner that ordinary citizens can understand.
This is to ensure that the public’s interest remains, and that the objective of the impeachment trial does not fade into oblivion.
“Ang impeachment trial ay hindi lang para sa mga abogado kundi para sa bawat mamamayan na may karapatang malaman kung dapat na bang alisin sa pwesto ang opisyal na kanilang pinagkatiwalaan ng mandato,” they added.
They said that the public has long been awaiting the witnesses and evidence to be laid out regarding the charges of corruption, constitutional violations, and betrayal of public trust.
They also urge for an end to excessive objections and delaying tactics, and instead of focusing on technicalities, priority should be given to questioning regarding the articles of impeachment.
During the trial’s first week, the hearings covered Article 4 of the Articles of Impeachment, including the issue of grave threats stemming from a video in which VP Duterte threatened President Ferdinand Marcos and his family. — Nicole Buena, Contributor