SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced Monday that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will likely commence after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 21.
Escudero stated that the trial will begin once the 20th Congress is fully operational, making a post-SONA start date the most probable scenario. He explicitly ruled out calling a special session for the trial.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte last Wednesday, with 215 lawmakers voting in favor of the fourth impeachment complaint filed against her. An additional 25 House members signed the complaint, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
In a press conference on Friday, Vice President Duterte affirmed that her team is prepared for the trial and that she has no intention of resigning. She also declared that she will not be present during the proceedings.
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