Trial ‘most likely’ after PBBM’s SONA
SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will begin after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
Speaking in an interview on DZBB’s Saksi sa Dobol B, Escudero detailed the necessary pre-trial procedures and the Senate’s planned revisions to its impeachment rules before formal proceedings commence in August.
“Well, ire-refer sa Committee on Rules ang impeachment complaint, at ire-refer sa Plenaryo… aaprubahan ang rules, dahil maraming update ang kinakailangang gawin mula nang ginamit ‘yan sa panahon ni Chief Justice Corona,” he explained.
Escudero noted that the Senate must finalize new impeachment rules by June 2 before any proceedings can move forward.
Among the changes under consideration are strengthening pre-trial briefings, requiring judicial affidavits from witnesses, and granting the Senate President authority to oversee pre-trial proceedings without requiring full impeachment court involvement.
“Gaya ng sinabi ko, mas malakas na pre-trial brief at pre-trial hearing. Pangatlo ‘yong otorisa sa Senate President o taga-Pangulo ng Senado na gawin ang lahat ng ‘yan ng hindi kinakailangan ng impeachment court ang gumawa dahil pre-trial naman ito,” he said.
The pre-trial phase, Escudero explained, will allow both the prosecution and defense to present responses, schedule hearings, and submit judicial affidavits before the trial begins. This process aims to streamline the trial and ensure a more efficient presentation of evidence.
“Opo at tinataya ko dalawa hanggang tatlong buwan tatagal ang paglilitis dahil nga sa mga pagbabago sa mga rules na ia-adopt ng Senado batay sa Rules of Court ‘din naman na iginawad ng Korte Suprema,” he added.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of conspiracy to assassinate top government officials, misuse of confidential funds, and bribery involving the Department of Education.
Under Senate rules, the order in which the impeachment articles will be tackled may follow a sequential process based on how the prosecution structured the complaint. However, Escudero clarified that adjustments could be made during pre-trial discussions.
“Kadalasan, sequential ‘yan kung ano ang unang nilagay ng prosecution, ‘yon ang uunahin, pinaka-huli ‘yong huli nilang nilagay. Subalit, pwedeng pagkasunduan na baguhin ‘yan sa pre-trial,” he noted.
Addressing concerns that political affiliations may dictate the trial’s outcome, Escudero emphasized that impeachment is not solely a numbers game but a process that requires public and Senate conviction.
“‘Pag sinabi mong political,hindi naman affiliations lang. ‘Pag sinabi mong political, ‘yong gusto ng nakakarami,” he said.
Quoting Aristotle’s definition of politics as “the art of influencing other people,” Escudero stressed that both the prosecution and defense must present compelling arguments to persuade senators and the public.
