WITH the 19th Congress nearing its end, several senators on Monday urgently requested a caucus to address the pending impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Imee Marcos has formally invited Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to convene the caucus, citing differing opinions among senators regarding the trial’s continuation. Marcos emphasized the need for thorough discussion, given the limited time remaining and the uncertainty surrounding whether the impeachment will carry over to the 20th Congress.
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also supported the call for a caucus, highlighting the need to finalize the Senate’s schedule, particularly concerning the passage of pending legislation.
Zubiri clarified that the caucus would focus on scheduling and procedural matters, not the merits of the impeachment case itself. He suggested the possibility of holding impeachment court sessions in the afternoons, following other legislative work, but stressed the current lack of clarity regarding the process.
Senators Loren Legarda and Nancy Binay echoed the calls for a caucus to address scheduling concerns and ensure a transparent and unified approach to the impeachment proceedings.
Legarda stressed the importance of a caucus to address public confusion and varying opinions, preventing unilateral decisions. Binay emphasized the need for clarity on procedures before the Senate adjourns.
