The Vice President of the Republic, Beatriz Argimón, who also holds the positions of President of the Senate and of the General Assembly, has expressed her firm commitment to immediately process any request for impeachment that arrives in relation to Senator Gustavo Penadés.
Senator Penadés, a member of the National Party, is under investigation by the prosecutor for Sexual Offenses, Alicia Guione, following multiple complaints accusing him of having relationships with minors in exchange for money. The crime in question is that of retribution or promise of retribution, whether financial or otherwise, to minors or disabled persons, in exchange for sexual acts of any kind.
“We are attentive to the eventual presentation of said request and, if so, we will proceed diligently and in accordance with the established protocols,” Argimón assured in statements to Underlined last Saturday, regarding the request for impeachment.
The vice president, who also belongs to the National Party, revealed that “conversations” have already been carried out with the different political parties regarding the possibility of requesting the impeachment of Penadés. However, she stressed that the official determination has not yet been made public, out of respect for the ongoing process.
The purpose of the impeachment request is to allow the senator to appear before Justice without the legal protection enjoyed by sitting legislators.
Argimón clarified that so far he has not formally received any request for impeachment and explained the process that would be carried out in the event that it materializes.
“The prosecutor presents the request before a judge, the latter addresses the Supreme Court of Justice and, in turn, the Supreme Court refers the case to Parliament, where there is an established process. Once received, it is sent to the Constitution and Codes Commission, corresponding to the Senate in this case, which will recommend to the plenary session the position to be considered. As is known, the privileges correspond to the chamber, not to the legislators individually, “he explained.
Asked about the ongoing investigation and the actions of the prosecution, Argimón highlighted the importance of preserving the identity of the complainants and praised the professional work that is being carried out by the Prosecutor’s Office.
“The case is being treated with the seriousness and rigor that corresponds,” he said.
