Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the 20th Congress, which convenes after the July 28 SONA, will decide whether Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will push through.
Despite the 19th Congress handling the formal transmission of the Articles of Impeachment, Escudero emphasized that the next Congress must independently decide whether to proceed. “The 19th Congress cannot bind the 20th,” he said, explaining that the plenary’s will is final.
The proposed schedule sets the senator-judges’ oath on July 29, with the trial to start on July 30. Still, this may change depending on the decision of the new Senate majority.
Escudero urged impartiality among senators, regardless of party affiliation. Five PDP-Laban-backed senators, including Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Bong Go, will be in the 20th Congress alongside other political independents.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez acknowledged the Senate’s discretion over how to handle the trial, while former Senator Leila de Lima insisted that convening an impeachment court is a constitutional mandate—not optional.
De Lima, part of the House prosecution team, criticized Escudero’s neutrality stance and stressed that the trial is vital for truth and accountability. She also refuted claims that the impeachment is politically motivated, asserting the accusations—including misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds—are based on substantial evidence.
Vice President Duterte, meanwhile, likened the process to her own “crucifixion” and said she welcomes the trial as her “bloodbath.”