Senate President Francis Escudero rejected calls from student groups urging him to inhibit from the upcoming impeachment trial, stating that fairness means applying the law equally and not aligning with preferred outcomes.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Senate Legacy Wall on Monday, Escudero said, “It’s clear they think that if you don’t agree with them or follow their wishes, you’re being unfair. But being fair means applying the rules equally to everyone, no matter who they are.”
He reiterated that the Senate would not be influenced by partisan interests and would base its proceedings on legal standards and fairness. Escudero also noted that the Supreme Court had already affirmed several positions previously taken by both chambers of Congress.
According to Escudero, five of the eleven issues raised before the Supreme Court actually originated from the Senate’s inquiries, which were later echoed in the Court’s decision. He said August 4 is a tentative date for the trial, pending discussion when session resumes.
“Why that date? Because the parties involved need to be given notice. The Senate majority can’t just decide on opening day to hold the hearing immediately the next day,” he said. Escudero added that the Supreme Court may ultimately resolve further procedural issues.
A legal expert at the House of Representatives meanwhile expressed hope that Escudero will fulfill his commitment to reconvene the Senate impeachment court on August 4.
“We are hopeful Senate President Chiz Escudero will deliver on his commitment to reconvene the Senate impeachment court,” Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, a lawyer, said. He added that doing so would allow the 20th Congress to proceed with the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and show its resolve in pursuing the impeachment process.
Ridon’s remarks came after the youth group Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) announced plans to deliver an open letter to Escudero urging him to recuse himself from the case. The letter, reportedly signed by 24 student councils and academic organizations, claims that delays under Escudero’s leadership have “created a toxic environment for public discourse.”
House spokesperson Princess Abante added that the lower chamber has already fulfilled its constitutional duties and looks forward to the start of the Senate trial.
