Filipino Catholic bishops criticized the Senate for delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, who is accused of misusing public funds and plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Philippine senators on Tuesday voted to send an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the lower house for clarification, just hours after convening a trial that could see her banned from politics for life.

MANILA: The Philippines's oldest and most authoritative voice on constitutional law has urged the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, reminding senators that the accountability of public officials should not be thwarted by procedural inventions or partisan manoeuvring.