Senate to finally convene as an impeachment court
SENATE PRESIDENT Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Monday said he would convene the Senate as an impeachment court on June 11 for the trial of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“That is what’s on our schedule, and that is what I plan to do,” he told reporters in mixed English and Filipino. “Everything will go through plenary action… That is the plan and that is what we will do.”
The Senate earlier delayed the reading of the charges against Ms. Duterte and its conversion into an impeachment court from June 2 to give way for legislative priorities.
The Senate chief said the impeachment proceedings would likely cross into the next Congress.
“I believe it will pass, but this opinion from the 19th Congress cannot bind the 20th Congress,” he said. “This must be decided by the (next Congress).”
The House impeached the Vice-President on Feb. 5, alleging secret fund misuse, unexplained wealth, acts of destabilization and plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his family. Ms. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.
The impeachment complaint was filed and signed by more than 200 congressmen, more than the one-third legal requirement before it could be sent to the Senate.
Mr. Escudero rejected calls for the Senate to fulfill its constitutional mandate to try the Vice-President. Several civil society groups trooped to the Senate building in Pasay City on Monday, urging lawmakers to start the impeachment trial.
“I’ve said this from the beginning. Whether someone is for or against the impeachment, whether they support (Ms. Duterte) or oppose her, I will not listen to them,” he said. “I will do what is right, proper and in accordance with the Constitution and the law, based on what I believe is right.”
The group said the Senate is duty-bound to start the trial as soon as she got impeached by the House.
“What they want us to do is to rush our constitutional duty,” Mr. Escudero said. “We will do (the proceedings), but not at the time they want because they are in a hurry. This is a process that must be followed and is being followed.”
Senator Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel also called on the Senate president to take his oath as the presiding officer of the impeachment court and to administer the oath to all senators as judges.
“The Senate must not be heedless and callous to the growing calls for the institution to fulfill its mandate and begin the impeachment trial,” she told a separate news briefing, as the 19th Congress adjourns on June 13. A new set of senators will take office in July.
The Makati Business Club (MBC) also called on the Senate to start the impeachment trial.
“We view this issue as a governance issue and a test of public accountability and the rule of law,” it said in a statement.
“If we do not follow the rule of law, how can we expect to attract foreign and even local investors to bring in long-term investments, which would lead to the creation of jobs?” it asked.
The MBC said senators and the Senate as an institution could betray public trust by not providing the VP with a forum to refute the charges against her.
Ms. Duterte’s defense team said it is ready to defend her against baseless accusations.
“The impeachment process must never be weaponized to harass, silence or eliminate political opponents,” it said in a statement. “It is a constitutional mechanism, not a political tool.”
Later in the day, Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla filed Senate Resolution no. 1371, urging the chamber to terminate the impeachment proceedings against Ms. Duterte.
He said “all pending matters and proceedings shall terminate” once Congress adjourns.
“It is indubitably clear that the matter of the articles of impeachment… and its consideration by the present Senate cannot be fully accomplished by the expiration of the 19th Congress on June 30, 2025, thereby resulting in its termination,” Mr. Padilla, an ally of the Dutertes, said in the resolution. — Adrian H. Halili
