Senator Imee Marcos has expressed her support for holding Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 21, during the 20th Congress.
Marcos, the sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., opposed an immediate trial, citing the House of Representatives’ two-month delay in acting on the impeachment complaints against Duterte.
Senate’s Decision
Speaking at a press conference, Marcos aligned herself with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s stance, stating:
“Senators discussed this, and I agree with the decision of our Senate President.”
She argued that rushing the trial would be impractical, as many senators are preoccupied with election preparations.
“It wouldn’t help. Everyone is busy, and there might not be enough time to properly study the evidence. Some are calling for a special session, claiming urgency, but I don’t feel it’s urgent since this has been pending for a while,” Marcos explained.
Escudero earlier announced that the impeachment trial would begin after President Marcos’ fourth SONA in July.
Push for Immediate Trial
However, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III disagreed, urging an immediate trial. He emphasized the Senate’s constitutional duty, citing Section 3(4), Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which states that when the House transmits the Articles of Impeachment, the Senate must proceed with the trial “forthwith.”
Marcos, however, interpreted “forthwith” as meaning the next available session.
No Need for Recusal
Despite her familial ties to both the President and the Vice President, Marcos said she sees no need to recuse herself from the trial.
“I don’t think it’s necessary. You can be close to someone and still be objective. I am clearly related to the President and many officials, both in Congress and in local governments,” she said.
When asked about her relationship with Duterte, she added:
“We haven’t seen each other. I don’t want to bother her—there are too many pressing issues.”
Impeachment Developments
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate the same day, but the Senate adjourned without addressing them. An additional 25 congressmen later signed the complaint, raising the total endorsers to 240.
On Friday, a petition for mandamus was filed with the Supreme Court, seeking to compel the Senate to convene immediately as an impeachment court. The Supreme Court confirmed that the petition had been raffled and may be included in its February 18 agenda.
Despite the impeachment, Duterte has stated she has no plans to resign. While the trial has yet to begin, she has already signaled that she does not intend to appear in court but welcomed the process as a chance to address the allegations against her.