MANILA – Sen. Imee Marcos called for the immediate transmittal and resolution of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying prolonged delays could divert attention from the country’s economic problems.

In a statement, Marcos rejected the House of Representatives of the Philippines explanation that the delay in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment was caused by the reproduction of “voluminous documents,” describing the justification as “flimsy” and “unacceptable.”

“The House has dozens, if not hundreds, of personnel at its disposal, backed by full administrative, legal, records, printing, and information-technology support,” she said.

Marcos pointed out that the House had previously transmitted impeachment articles to the Senate on the same day they were approved, saying the current delay was difficult to justify.

“It cannot now pretend that paperwork has suddenly become an insurmountable obstacle,” she said.

The senator also suggested that the delay could be politically motivated and intended to affect the timing of Senate proceedings.

“This delay appears less like an administrative concern and more like a political maneuver to control the timing of the Senate proceedings,” she said.

Marcos stressed that the government should not remain preoccupied with prolonged political uncertainty while Filipinos face rising fuel prices, inflation, and other national concerns.

“At a time when the country is reeling from an oil crisis, 7.2% inflation, and other urgent national problems, we cannot afford to have Congress consumed by avoidable procedural delays,” she said.

She added that she wanted the impeachment proceedings to “begin, proceed, and be resolved in a timely manner” so the Senate and the rest of government could focus on issues affecting the public.

The Articles of Impeachment against Duterte have already been approved by the House and are expected to be transmitted to the Senate of the Philippines, which is expected to convene as an impeachment court “forthwith.”