In a dramatic twist in the Philippine Senate, President Francis Escudero announced on February 21, 2025, his intention to consult fellow senators about the timing of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. This follows a proposal by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III to convene an all-member caucus and kick off the trial in March, during the Senate’s recess.
Escudero expressed reservations about starting the trial during the break, citing potential legal challenges. ‘I will consult the others if they want to and if they are available,’ he stated, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach to avoid judicial scrutiny. He argued that proceeding without a formal session could question the Senate’s actions in court.
Pimentel, on the other hand, insisted that the Senate has the legal authority to handle impeachment proceedings without a special session called by the President. He highlighted that the Senate, functioning as an impeachment court, operates under different rules than regular legislative sessions.
Amidst these discussions, Escudero faced accusations from Howard Calleja, a law professor and convenor of 1Sambayan, of breaching the Constitution by not acting ‘forthwith’ on the impeachment case and adjourning the Senate session prematurely. Escudero dismissed these claims, asserting his commitment to following the law and maintaining fairness in the process. He refused to entertain what he described as partisan legal opinions.
Calleja argued that Escudero’s decision to end the session two days early violated his constitutional duties, pointing out that the term ‘forthwith’ in the Constitution implies immediate action without delay.