Senate President Francis Escudero denied reports that the Senate is preparing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The Senate is not preparing for anything re impeachment. We cannot and will not assume anything until and unless it is a fact,” he said.
Escudero clarified that no preparations are underway and emphasized that the Senate will not act until there are official documents to review.
The senator’s statement comes as reports circulate that Senate Secretary Renato Bantug instructed the staff of the Senate Public Information Bureau (PRIB) to prepare for the possible receipt of impeachment complaints against Duterte today.
Earlier, it was also reported that PRIB staff conducted a briefing with media representatives to provide coverage instructions related to the potential impeachment complaint.
“The statements made by an over-eager staff was not authorized by me nor was it proper,” Escudero added.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed earlier this week that the House would act on complaints filed by several parties against the Vice President.
These complaints allege serious violations, including betrayal of public trust and breaches of the Constitution.
If the House approves the complaints, a trial in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority vote for conviction.