Published by: Kristine Joyce Soriano
Date Published: March 10, 2025
Time Published: 6:46 AM
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will formally begin on July 30, with the Articles of Impeachment set to be transmitted to the Senate on June 2, when Congress resumes session.
Under Escudero’s proposed timetable, incumbent senators will take their oaths as impeachment court judges on June 3, allowing for the issuance of summons, submission of pleadings, and a pre-trial phase from June 4 to July 25.
He also recommended drafting a new rule to clarify procedures in case the trial extends beyond June 30, when some senators’ terms expire, and continues past Congress' sine die adjournment from June 14 to July 27.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon described Escudero’s decision to set the trial for July 30, after the 19th Congress ends, as the "best option." He emphasized that once the Senate convenes as an impeachment court, the Supreme Court can no longer intervene in the process.
“Senate President Escudero cannot initiate the impeachment trial before the Senate is in session, which starts in June. Only then can the impeachment court be constituted,” Drilon said in an interview on One News' Storycon.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has mobilized resources for the impeachment process. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco issued a six-page memorandum designating 134 personnel to assist in the trial.
The team, composed of staff from key House departments including the Office of the Secretary General, Office of the Sergeant at Arms, Legislative Operations Department, and Legal Affairs Department, will provide logistical, research, and documentation support.
“The House Secretariat plays a vital role in ensuring order during legislative proceedings, including impeachment trials. This directive guarantees that the prosecution team has the necessary support for an efficient trial," Velasco stated.
Velasco also emphasized that all designated personnel must adhere to House rules and ethical standards to maintain transparency and professionalism throughout the proceedings.
RERERENCES:
[1] Cayabyab, M. J. (2025, February 28). Chiz sets start of impeachment trial on July 30. PHILSTAR. [https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/02/28/2424751/chiz-sets-start-impeach-trial-july-30]
[2] Gulla, V. (2025, February 28). House forms secretariat for VP Sara impeachment trial. ABS-CBN News. [https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/28/house-forms-secretariat-for-vp-sara-impeachment-trial-1359]
[3] Escudero timetable sees VP Duterte impeachment trial starting on July 30. (2025, February 28). ABS-CBN News. [https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/27/escudero-timetable-sees-vp-duterte-impeachment-trial-starting-on-july-30-1419]
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