VP Sara Duterte impeachment to begin in July?

This was the question raised after Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero clarified that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to begin in late July, as procedural steps must be followed before formal hearings can commence.

Escudero also dismissed calls for a special session to expedite the process, citing constitutional limitations.

Escudero explained that the Senate and the House of Representatives had approved a legislative calendar that adjourned Congress on February 5 and will resume on June 2. However, due to procedural requirements, the trial will not immediately start.

“Wala kaming magagawa dahil hindi pwedeng simulan ang impeachment basta recess. Dapat mapag-usapan ang impeachment in open session. Babasahin ng house prosecutors ang impeachment sa plenaryo ng Senado. Ikalawa, kailangang aprubahan sa plenaryo ang rules of impeachment at pangatlo, in open session sumumpa ang mga senador bilang impeachment judges. Lahat ‘yan hindi pwedeng gawin kung recess,” he explained.

He outlined the timeline, stating that if the summons for Duterte is issued on June 4, she has two days to receive it and ten days to respond, extending to June 16. The House prosecutors will then have another ten days to file their reply, followed by additional legal pleadings, which could push the process until June 30.

“Matatapos ‘yan June 30 na, tapos na ang term ng doseng senador natin. Bilang Senate President, patuloy pa rin ang termino ko hanggang sa masunod ang rules at ma-elect ang susunod sa akin o papalit sa akin kung papalitan ako,” Escudero said.

Given the Senate’s schedule, Escudero projected that the actual trial, which involves the reception and presentation of evidence, will commence after the new senators assume office. “Makaka-resume kami sa impeachment court sa July 29 na or possibly July 30,” he stated.

To expedite proceedings, Escudero proposed the use of judicial affidavits, which would replace direct examinations in court. “Sa tingin ko hindi sosobra sa tatlong buwan o dalawang buwan ang trial so by the time na mag-recess kami sa October 2025, tapos na ito at mapagbobotohan na,” he said.

Escudero also questioned the delay in the House of Representatives’ handling of the impeachment complaint against Duterte, highlighting the inconsistency in their approach to urgency.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas