SENATE, Pasay City — Despite the short period of time left in the 19th Congress, Senate President Pro-Tempore Jose 'Jinggoy Estrada' Ejercito Jr. has reiterated that the Senate will uphold its constitutional duty to hear the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

This assertion comes after Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero announced the postponement of the presentation of impeachment articles from June 2 to June 11, which raised concerns about the future of the case.

In defending the Senate's position, Estrada underscored that while serving as an impeachment court is essential, the Senate's primary obligation lies in developing and passing legislation that would benefit the Filipino people.

"I believe that essential bills should take precedence over impeachment deliberations," the senator pointed out while tagging the comments of comebacking lady senator Leila De Lima over the delays as mere grandstanding.
According to former president Joseph 'Erap' Estrada's son, he is confident that Escudero would not face criticism for prioritizing legislative responsibilities while still fulfilling the Senate's constitutional duties regarding Duterte's case.

Legal luminaries monitoring updates in the Senate have opined that Escudero's resetting of the date for presenting the impeachment articles highlights the urgency to prioritize the passage of critical bills, particularly since the sine die adjournment marks the end of the current congressional session.

Prioritizing legislative matters was underscored during a recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting, which included representatives from the executive branch, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Among the priority legislation are amendments to the Foreign Investors' Long-Term Lease Act, the E-Governance Act, open access in data Transmission or Konektadong Pinoy Act, Rationalization of the Fiscal Mining Regime, amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, Government Optimization Act, amendments to the Right-of-Way Act, setting the term of office of barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan, Judicial Fiscal Autonomy, Denatured Alcohol Tax and Anti-POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) Act.

Aside from tackling the enumerated priority legilaslations, the Senate must also address over 200 presidential appointments, including those for three Cabinet secretaries, four constitutional commission officials, 39 foreign service officers and 277 armed forces officers.