Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Wednesday outlined the next steps in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, warning of a temporary pause in prosecution authority by June 30.
“The House has until noon on Monday to submit their reply if they choose to do so, as submitting a reply to Vice President Sara Duterte’s answer ad cautelam is not mandatory,” he said.
“Why the deadline on June 30? Because by then, the authority of the House and its prosecutors to act as prosecutors in the impeachment trial will expire,” Escudero added.
The Senate chief reminded that it is not the Senate’s role to judge or comment on the Vice President’s position or her motion to dismiss, and that the impeachment court will assess all arguments, including any motions raised in Duterte’s answer.
“Both parties will be given the opportunity to present their arguments,” he said.
Escudero said the court trial is expected to give room for argument, but current pretrial discussions by the prosecution remain permissible only until formal proceedings begin.
“The impeachment court may issue an order to restrict or prohibit the parties in the case from speaking. But that decision lies with the impeachment court,” he said.
Escudero reiterated that the House must comply with two conditions: proving no violation of the one-year ban and expressing continued intent to pursue the case under the 20th Congress.
He confirmed the impeachment court will only resume after the House meets these requirements and elects new prosecutors.
Any pretrial or trial dates must be scheduled after the new prosecutors are officially authorized.
He warned that without a new prosecution panel and complete compliance, the impeachment court cannot reconvene on July 29.
