SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero was officially sworn in as the presiding officer of the impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, June 9, 2025.
The oath of office was administered by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., formally commencing Escudero’s role in overseeing the proceedings.
This marks a significant step forward in the impeachment process, setting the stage for the upcoming trial. While Escudero’s swearing-in establishes the court’s leadership, the senators themselves are scheduled to take their oaths as senator-judges the following day, June 10th, completing the formal establishment of the impeachment court.
The timing suggests a deliberate and methodical approach to ensuring the legitimacy and procedural integrity of the trial.
The sequential swearing-in of the presiding officer and then the senator-judges underscores the gravity and complexity of the impeachment proceedings.
The meticulous adherence to protocol highlights the Senate’s commitment to a fair and transparent process. With Escudero now officially in his role, attention shifts to the senators’ oaths and the subsequent commencement of the impeachment trial itself.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the timeline and direction of the proceedings, with the nation watching closely as the Senate undertakes its constitutional duty to adjudicate this high-profile case.
The formalization of the impeachment court sets the stage for a potentially lengthy and consequential legal process.
