Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero stated that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not expressed any intention to call a special session for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
No Urgency for Special Session
In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Escudero confirmed that no formal requests have been made to expedite the trial.
“There’s no sign from the President. But of course, if he calls for a session, we will attend,” Escudero said.
He emphasized that Duterte’s impeachment trial will follow due process, just like past cases involving other impeachable officials such as the Chief Justice and Ombudsman.
House Impeachment Move
The House of Representatives impeached VP Sara Duterte last Wednesday, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Senate received the case but adjourned without addressing it, meaning the trial will begin in June after the May 12 elections.
Concerns Over Trial Timeline
Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned that the Senate might not have enough time to finish the trial before Congress adjourns on June 30. If the process is delayed, Duterte could escape impeachment for another year, as the Constitution prohibits multiple impeachment attempts within 12 months.
Duterte Responds
VP Sara Duterte has denied allegations of assassination plots, corruption, and destabilization efforts listed in the seven Articles of Impeachment.
While preparing for the trial, she said she will not attend the impeachment proceedings unless required, joking:
“It’s more painful to be left by your boyfriend or girlfriend than to be impeached by the House of Representatives.”