MANILA — A group of law deans and professors from several Philippine universities has warned that senators could face administrative and even criminal liability if they refuse to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement issued Monday, the legal scholars said the Constitution leaves the Senate with no discretion once the House of Representatives transmits Articles of Impeachment approved by at least one-third of its members.

“Trial forthwith proceeds,” the professors said, citing Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution, adding that the framers intended the impeachment process to continue “as a matter of course.”

The statement came after the Senate leadership change that replaced Senate President Vicente Sotto III with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on the same day the impeachment articles against Duterte were expected to be transmitted.

The professors accused some senators of attempting to delay or prevent the impeachment proceedings through procedural actions and leadership changes.

“We decry the brazen attempts of members of the Senate to forestall the impeachment trial of the Vice-President,” the statement read.

The group also criticized what it described as the “Escudero definition” of the term “forthwith,” referring to earlier remarks by former Senate President Francis Escudero suggesting the Senate could decide the timing of the trial.

According to the legal scholars, such an interpretation contradicts both the wording and intent of the Constitution.

The professors further argued that failure by senators to carry out what they described as a constitutional duty could amount to dereliction of duty.

“Refusal of public officers to perform a duty imposed by law, particularly by the Constitution, constitutes dereliction of duty,” the statement said.

The group also warned that granting “undue advantage and benefit on a person not entitled to it” may violate Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Among the signatories were retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna, former environment undersecretary Antonio La Viña, San Beda University Graduate School of Law dean Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino, and several law deans and professors from universities across the country.

The legal scholars also commended the 257 House members who voted to approve the impeachment complaint against Duterte, describing the move as “courageous.”

The House earlier adopted House Resolution No. 989 affirming the findings of the Committee on Justice that found probable cause to impeach the Vice President on multiple grounds.

Beyond the impeachment issue, the professors also urged Philippine authorities to cooperate with international legal processes involving Sen. Ronald dela Rosa in relation to the International Criminal Court.

The group called on Filipinos to ensure that public officials faithfully comply with their constitutional duties and uphold the rule of law.