MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for patience and thorough preparation among those pushing to expedite the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, cautioning against haste in the politically charged process.
Amid mounting pressure from House prosecutors and other groups to convene the Senate as an impeachment court during Congress’ recess, Escudero emphasized the importance of readiness. In a recent Radyo 630 interview, he quipped, “To those rushing the process, my counsel is to hit the books and refine their case. Once the trial begins, delays or procedural theatrics won’t be excusable.” He underscored that proponents have had ample time to prepare, leaving no room for unpreparedness.
Escudero has proposed July 30, 2025, as the start date for the trial, coinciding with the tenure of newly elected senators who would serve as judges. The House of Representatives forwarded the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on February 5, just hours before the chamber adjourned. However, Escudero reiterated that constitutional protocols require the Senate to convene as an impeachment court only during an active legislative session, rejecting arguments that proceedings could bypass this requirement.
Some lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, have contended that the Constitution mandates the trial to proceed immediately, even suggesting the Senate could independently convene without a presidential order for a special session. Escudero dismissed this view, stressing that formalities like referring the complaint, swearing in senators as judges, and conducting open sessions are non-negotiable. “The rule of law demands transparency,” he asserted during a press briefing in Quezon City.
The debate continues as legal experts and politicians clash over procedural nuances, with the nation awaiting a resolution that balances constitutional fidelity and political urgency.