Senate President Francis Escudero said the Senate is reviewing its rules and making necessary preparations for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, including security measures and ensuring public access
“You have to balance the preparation and security, making sure that it is open to the public. We will not tolerate any delay as far as this case is concerned,” he said.
Escudero stated that the Senate is also engaging legal counsel to handle any cases filed against the chamber during the proceedings.
He noted that Supreme Court (SC) decisions, both in the Philippines and abroad, have established that impeachment is a political process, as determined by the framers of the Constitution, and that the required burden of proof depends on what senators deem it to be.
When asked about the possible withholding of confidential documents in an impeachment trial, Escudero cited the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.
During that trial, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Senate from opening Corona’s foreign currency deposit accounts.
On the possibility of a special session, Escudero said it only applies for urgent legislation.
He argued that no such urgent legislation currently exists and calling a special session under false pretenses would be improper. Escudero also dismissed claims that election campaigns may delay the trial and asserted that the Senate is adhering to procedure, not personal interests.
The Senate’s refusal to immediately convene as an impeachment court to hear the case against the Vice President may be a result of selective interpretation of the Constitution or a deliberate political strategy, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, who chairs the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, said.
Roman also pointed out that the term “forthwith” in the Constitution is unambiguous and means “immediately.”
She questioned why the Senate leadership continues to delay the impeachment trial despite the clear mandate of the law. She added that the delay may also be a political strategy, particularly for senators running for reelection, as the impeachment case has become a major election issue.
Roman, however, remained hopeful that Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero and the Senate leadership would reconsider their position and act in accordance with the Constitution.
Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of Pa Union echoed this sentiment, saying that the decision on when to start the impeachment trial ultimately rests on the Senate leadership.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Impeachment trial preparations underway to avoid delays—Escudero.”