Manila, Feb. 18 -- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has called on Senate President Francis Escudero to act "forthwith" on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing the constitutional mandate for immediate proceedings.

Pimentel sent reporters on Tuesday a copy of the letter dated Feb. 14 that he sent to Escudero wherein he cited Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, which states that once the House of Representatives transmits impeachment articles, "trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed."

"'Forthwith' must be interpreted in accordance with the Verba Legis Rule, meaning it should be given its plain and ordinary meaning -- without delay," Pimentel wrote.

The senator referenced both Engli...