Manila, March 27 -- Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday reiterated that the chamber is strictly adhering to legal procedures in handling the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, dismissing accusations of delay and political bias as "unfounded."

In a radio interview, Escudero rejected accusations that he is protecting Duterte due to political alliances.

"Kung anong sinasabi ng batas 'yon lang ang sinusunod ko, sinuman ang paboran niyan. Kakamadali, kakamadali, lalong tatagal pa 'yan (I just follow what the law says, whoever benefits from it. The more we rush it, the more it will be delayed)," he said referring to the impeachment proceedings.

Escudero also dismissed insinuations that foreign influence, includin...