Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Wednesday denied that the Senate’s decision to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives will cause any delay to the impeachment proceedings.
“For the nth time, the most we could do during the 19th Congress—before Congress adjourns—is to issue summons. We’ve done that,” he argued.
“In fact, it could even speed things up because while we’re in recess, while there’s no trial yet, and before the 20th Congress convenes, they can already work on it and prepare,” Escudero added.
He said the Senate had already fulfilled this obligation and any further steps must wait for the 20th Congress.
The Senate chief added that the move also enables the House to confirm that the impeachment complaint will still be pursued while the Senate is in recess.
Escudero also defended the motions filed by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Ronald dela Rosa, saying there are no rules preventing them from doing so.
He stressed there is no provision in Senate rules that prohibits the chamber from remanding the articles.
“Is there anything in our rules that says that’s not allowed?” he asked.
Escudero brushed off claims that the Senate’s action was unconstitutional, saying only the Supreme Court has the authority to rule on such matters.