By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has shared the proposed calendar for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.
Below is the timetable released by Escudero:
2 June 2025 – Resumption of session; presentation of the Articles of Impeachment by the prosecutors; and approval of the revised Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials (3:00 p.m.).
3 June 2025 – Convening of the Impeachment Court and oath-taking of incumbent Senator-judges (9:00 a.m.).
4 June 2025 – Issuance of summons.
14 to 24 June 2025 – Reception of pleadings.
24 June to 25 July 2025 – Pre-Trial.
28 July 2025 – Inaugural session of the Senate for the 20th Congress (10:00 a.m.); Joint Session of Congress to hear the President’s State of the Nation Address (4:00 p.m.).
29 July 2025 – Oath-taking of newly elected Senator-judges before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court (9:00 a.m.); plenary session of the Senate (3:00 p.m.).
30 July 2025 – Start of trial (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
Escudero also disclosed that he had signed Special Order No. 2025-015 (OSP) Series of 2025 to establish an administrative support group that will assist the Senate when it convenes as an Impeachment Court for Duterte’s trial.
“This Special Order is vital to ensure that the Senate, in its role as an Impeachment Court, operates smoothly and efficiently. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of justice and due process throughout the proceedings,” Escudero said upon issuing the order.
ia/mnm
MANILA — Senate President Francis Escudero outlined the impeachment process for Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and addressed various political matters during a press conference in Sorsogon on Tuesday.
Impeachment Process and Timeline
Escudero clarified that the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte is unlikely to start before late July. The earliest possible trial date would be July 29 or 30, after the Senate reconvenes post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
Despite the impeachment complaint being filed on February 5, the process cannot begin until Congress reconvenes on June 2.
The pre-trial phase, including issuing summons and exchanging pleadings, will likely continue through June 30, coinciding with the end of terms for 12 senators. Escudero expects the 20th Congress to handle most of the trial. He stressed that the process will follow constitutional procedures and due process, rejecting any notion of it being a political maneuver.
Clarifying Speculations on His Political Future
Escudero also dismissed speculation about his political ambitions. He clarified that, in the event of a vice-presidential vacancy, the President must nominate a replacement, subject to approval by Congress—not automatically the Senate President. Regarding his own political future, he firmly stated, “I have no interest in running for vice president or president.” After nearly 30 years in politics, Escudero expressed a desire to step back and allow others to take the lead.
Impeachment Not a National Security Threat
Escudero downplayed concerns that Duterte’s impeachment might destabilize national security, emphasizing that the impeachment process is a constitutional safeguard. He stated, “If she’s innocent, she has nothing to fear,” and reiterated that the impeachment was about ensuring accountability, not undermining national stability. He also rejected claims of foreign influence in the impeachment, particularly from the United States, calling such accusations baseless.
Gaming Industry: POGO Ban vs. PIGO
On the topic of gaming policies, Escudero confirmed the administration’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) due to concerns over illegal activities and national security risks. However, he pointed out that Philippine Inland Gaming Operations (PIGO) remain legal, raising concerns about potential inconsistencies in gaming policies. “If POGO is harmful for foreigners, is PIGO beneficial for Filipinos? That’s the next issue we need to study,” he said.
Financial Aid and Election Restrictions
Escudero defended the continuation of government assistance programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), emphasizing that these programs have been ongoing since the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, continued under Rodrigo Duterte, and persist under President Marcos. He also discussed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules, noting that financial aid distribution is allowed except during the 10-day election ban.
West Philippine Sea: Diplomacy Over Conflict
Finally, Escudero weighed in on the West Philippine Sea dispute, dismissing any suggestion of military action. “The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of policy,” he said, noting that public sentiment strongly opposes armed conflict over the issue. He reiterated that diplomacy remains the Philippines’ best option, supporting President Marcos’ efforts to strengthen international alliances in response to China’s maritime activities.
ia/mnm
MANILA – The Solicitor General’s Office (OSG) will represent the Senate in Supreme Court petitions regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, confirmed Senate President Francis Escudero.
At a press conference in Quezon City, Escudero shared that he had referred to the OSG a petition from Duterte’s allies seeking to halt the Senate impeachment proceedings. Duterte herself has filed a petition challenging the impeachment complaint’s constitutionality, and another petition last week urged the SC to compel the Senate to convene as an impeachment court.
Escudero clarified that the Senate would not prepare a direct response to the petition for mandamus. “We referred this matter to the Solicitor General’s Office, as they represent the government. The OSG will handle and respond to the case for the Senate,” he explained.
While the Senate legal team drafted an advisory for Escudero’s review, it will be forwarded to the OSG for consideration.
Escudero also confirmed separate petitions from Davao City councilors and Vice President Duterte herself for certiorari before the SC. He suggested the Senate’s recess may have been timely, allowing the SC to resolve these issues before the impeachment trial proceeds, avoiding further delays.
The Senate, Escudero reiterated, intends to continue fulfilling its constitutional duties unless the SC issues a restraining order or preliminary injunction.
ia/mnm
By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has filed a petition seeking to nullify the fourth impeachment complaint, which was lodged by 215 members of the House of Representatives.
Duterte-Carpio submitted a petition for certiorari and prohibition, along with an urgent application for a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, on February 18.
The petition seeks “judicial intervention from the High Court to uphold due process and raises serious legal and constitutional concerns.”
Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is among the lawyers representing her in the impeachment case.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Chairperson Atty. Neri Colmenares submitted a position paper to the Senate calling for the convening of an impeachment trial for Duterte-Carpio.
Senate President Chiz Escudero has stated that there will be no impeachment trial during the session break.
ia/mnm
MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III warned that further delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would breach the Constitution.
Pimentel emphasized that a special session of Congress is necessary to officially begin the trial, allowing the Senate to convene as an impeachment court and move forward with preparations to avoid unnecessary delays.
Last Wednesday, 215 out of 306 House members voted to impeach Duterte on charges of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft, and corruption.
The House submitted the complaint to the Senate shortly after, outlining allegations of unexplained wealth, drug user killings during her mayoralty in Davao, and involvement in a plot to assassinate President Marcos and his family.
Senate President Francis Escudero has expressed reluctance to begin the trial during Congress’ recess, suggesting it could start when sessions resume on June 2.
However, Pimentel pointed out that the Constitution mandates the Senate to begin the trial “forthwith” once the impeachment complaint is filed by at least one-third of the House.
Pimentel argued that the term “forthwith” implies urgency but does not require immediate action.
A delay of several weeks is acceptable, but a postponement for over three months would be unconstitutional the former Senate president said.
He also highlighted that a special session could address pending legislation, including the New Government Auditing Code, amendments to the Cooperative Code, and other key bills such as those on judiciary fiscal autonomy, taxes on vape, electronic governance, and capital markets reform.
A three-day special session could advance critical measures while facilitating the impeachment process.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero urged senators to refrain from discussing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero reminded his colleagues of their role as trial judges, should the impeachment trial proceed.
“My interest is to maintain fairness, the impartiality of the court, and the credibility of any decision the impeachment court may render,” he said.
“That is why I am reminding senators to exercise caution in making statements regarding the impeachment, especially when they have yet to see evidence from both sides or make any final decisions on the matter,” he added.
Escudero previously stated that the Senate cannot immediately begin the impeachment trial, noting it may start after President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero urged his fellow senators to study the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero stated that the articles of impeachment filed by the House of Representatives against Duterte, along with all annexes and evidence, have been distributed to all senators.
He also emphasized that those running for Senate should begin studying the case, in addition to his fellow lawmakers.
The 44-page verified impeachment complaint against Duterte, submitted by the House to the Senate, is now available on the upper chamber’s website.
Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Duterte will begin after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He assured that the trial will be held during the 20th Congress to allow sufficient time for preparations.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero said that the upper chamber should not be rushed on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, pointing out that the House of Representatives did not act on it quickly.
“Mahigit dalawang buwan nilang inupuan ang impeachment complaints at wala silang ginawa. Ultimo ‘yung Secretary General nila, hindi finorward sa Speaker na magkatabi lamang naman halos ng kwarto, mahigit dalawang buwan din. Siguro ipaliwanag muna nila ‘yun bago kami umaksyon,” Escudero said.
“Hindi para sa kanila na madaliin kami pagkatapos nilang upuan ‘yan sa napakahabang panahon,” he added.
Escudero made the statement after being asked about calls for the Senate to act immediately on the impeachment, as indicated in the 1987 Constitution.
The House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on the last day of the congressional session, February 5.
Meanwhile, Escudero said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not expressed any intention to order the Senate to convene for Duterte’s impeachment trial.
“Wala po. Pero siyempre ‘pag nagpatawag ang Pangulo, anong gagawin namin? Eh ‘di kailangan namin mag-attend,” he said.
ia/mnm
By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized that the executive branch has no involvement in the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“No, the executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” he said.
The President further noted that Congress and the executive are independent of each other, adding that he “doesn’t give guidance to Congress.”
“They will decide how they will proceed. I don’t think you can expect a congressman, a senator, the SP, or the Speaker to come to me and ask, ‘Oh, what do you want us to do?’ They have their own way of doing things,” the Chief Executive stressed.
“I do not give guidance to Congress. Again, you give too much credit that I can tell congressmen to do this or that. I cannot. I do not give guidance to Congress. We are independent of each other.”
On Wednesday, the last day of the Congressional session, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte and transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
ia/mnm
By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated on Thursday (06 Feb 2025) that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will have no negative impact on Philippine economy.
“I doubt it very much,” Marcos said when asked about the government’s preparedness for the impeachment.
“Wala naman akong nakikitang magiging effect na ganon,” the President added.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to its investment plans, strategies, and structural changes.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero said that no impeachment complaint would be tackled during the session break.
“If any action or event related to this happens, it will occur on June 2, when the Senate resumes after the elections. The decision will be made by the Senate majority,” the Senate press office said.
ia/mnm
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (06 Feb 2025) clarified that the executive branch has no involvement in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” Marcos stated during a press briefing at Malacañang.
He also emphasized that the House of Representatives and Senate must address the complaints after they were filed. “Once the impeachment complaints were filed, the House and the Senate, they have no choice. Nakatali na ang kamay nila (Their hands are tied). They have to do this,” he added.
Marcos noted that he would consider calling a special session if requested by the Senate.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint to the Senate. However, the Senate has yet to address the issue, as it is currently on break.
The President also commented on his son, Sandro Marcos, Ilocos Norte representative, explaining that he advised his son to support the impeachment process and fulfill his duties as a lawmaker. “I told him, ‘the process has already begun. It’s your duty now to support the process,'” he said.
Despite the political developments, Marcos expressed confidence that the situation would not harm the country’s economic momentum.
The impeachment charges against VP Duterte include conspiracy to assassinate the First Couple and the House Speaker, malversation of confidential funds, bribery, corruption, unexplained wealth, and involvement in extrajudicial killings, among others.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate adjourned its session on Wednesday night (Feb. 5, 2025) without addressing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Senate will resume its session from June 2 to June 13 before the sine die adjournment.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said the Senate should have received and reported the articles of impeachment during the session. However, since this was not done, the trial may take place in June.
There is a possibility that the impeachment court could convene even without a session, as long as all the senators agree.
On Wednesday night, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco delivered the articles of impeachment against the Vice President to Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug at the Senate Office in Pasay City.
ia/mnm