MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday criticized the prolonged delay in convening the Senate as an impeachment court, saying the four-month wait has gone beyond procedure and now amounts to obstruction.

“Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng bola na dini-dribble ng apat na buwan. Kahit naman sa basketball, may shot clock,” Hontiveros said in a video statement, expressing frustration over the stalled proceedings.

She emphasized that the Constitution explicitly mandates the Senate to convene and commence an impeachment trial, and that further delay undermines this responsibility.

“In those four months, I’ve been called eager, aggressive, impatient, ‘atat’. But the simple truth is this: We are not rushing. In fact, we have been waiting. The Filipino people are waiting. And we believe four months is more than enough,” she said.

Hontiveros argued that the delays can no longer be considered procedural, calling them “obstructions dressed up as protocol.”

She stressed the Senate’s duty to uphold accountability, saying, “The impeachment process is a crucial means of demanding accountability exclusively entrusted by the people to the Senate. Hindi ko ‘yan balak talikuran.”

Calling on her fellow lawmakers to act, Hontiveros concluded: “It’s time to follow the rules and start the process ‘forthwith.’ Enough games. Time to move.”