SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte will not commence until the Senate resumes session on June 2nd.
Escudero cited Senate rules requiring a plenary session to convene the impeachment court and swear in judges.
He emphasized that because the verified impeachment complaint hasn’t been referred to the plenary, the Senate cannot legally convene the impeachment court before the resumption of session.
While the trial is delayed, Escudero stated that the Senate can begin reviewing the impeachment process and its rules, potentially updating them.
He stressed the importance of a fair, legal, and credible trial, regardless of public opinion or the eventual outcome.
The Senate’s decision on any rule amendments will be made after the elections and upon the resumption of session.
Escudero assured that the process will be neither rushed nor unduly delayed, conducted according to the Constitution and Senate rules.
