THE newly formed majority bloc in the Senate has reached a consensus to designate Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the presiding officer for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
This decision marks a key organizational step as the upper chamber prepares to sit as the Impeachment Court, setting the stage for how the historic proceedings will be managed and conducted moving forward. The agreement was reached among members of the majority during consultations held earlier Wednesday, coinciding with the special session called to reorganize the Senate leadership and formalize its internal structure.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson confirmed the development, stating that the proposal to name Escudero came directly from newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and was quickly supported by the rest of the group. “As per our consensus as of this morning, we will elect Sen. Chiz Escudero if we convene again as the impeachment court to be the presiding officer,” Lacson announced, noting that the selection was made to ensure that the trial will be guided by experience, impartiality, and respect for legal procedures. He added that while the agreement is firm as of now, it remains subject to final confirmation before the formal session.
The designation will be officially formalized and made binding when the Impeachment Court convenes on July 6, the date earlier identified by Senator Erwin Tulfo as the target start of the trial proper. This timeline aligns with the submission of pre‑trial briefs from both the prosecution and the defense, which have already laid out their respective lists of witnesses and evidence. By fixing the leadership of the court in advance, the Senate aims to ensure that the proceedings will proceed smoothly, orderly, and in accordance with the rules governing impeachment trials under the Constitution.
Lacson clarified that the consensus represents the collective position of the majority, but emphasized that the body remains open to final adjustments if necessary before the official convening. “That is our consensus as of this morning, but it may still change,” he said, underscoring the consultative nature of the Senate’s decision‑making process. With Escudero widely recognized for his long experience in the chamber and his background in legal and legislative matters, the majority expressed confidence that he will be able to preside over the high‑stakes proceedings with fairness, dignity, and the strict observance of due process.
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