By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator-judges have started fitting their robes for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed.
Bantug revealed that Senate President Chiz Escudero authorized the robe measurements about two weeks ago.
“About two weeks ago, SP [Chiz] gave the go signal to coordinate with the senators for the robe measurements,” Bantug said.
“They will be the same color and design as during the last Corona trial—maroon,” he added.
Escudero had previously shared the proposed trial calendar, which states that the trial is set to begin on July 30.
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — House Secretary General Reginald Velasco has requested Senate President Chiz Escudero to provide a space in the Senate building for House prosecutors as they prepare for Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial.
“We request permission to conduct an ocular inspection on March 11, 2025, of the room to be assigned, in order to determine how it will be set up to ensure a comfortable and convenient working environment for the Public Prosecutors and the SSG,” the letter stated.
Earlier, Escudero disclosed the proposed schedule for the impeachment trial as the session resumes.
The trial is set to begin on July 31.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel sent a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero, urging him to act “forthwith” on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I write to emphasize the constitutional mandate requiring the Senate to act ‘forthwith’ on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Pimentel said in the letter.
“Since this is a constitutional provision, the term ‘forthwith’ must be interpreted in accordance with the Verba Legis Rule, meaning it should be given its ‘plain and ordinary meaning.’”
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered the Senate to comment on the petition filed before the tribunal.
This followed a petition for mandamus, asking the SC to compel the Senate to convene for an impeachment trial against Duterte.
The SC “required the Senate to comment on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.”
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte will begin after President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Escudero confirmed that the trial will take place during the 20th Congress to allow ample time for preparation.
“Most likely, it will happen when the new Congress begins its functions, meaning after the SONA. I think SONA will be on July 21, so the trial will commence after that,” Escudero said.
The Senate plans to conduct the trial four times a week, potentially lasting five to six hours a day.
“Once the 20th Senate starts, the trial will proceed without further delays,” Escudero added.
The Senate leader assured that the upper chamber will ensure fairness in the trial, based on the evidence presented.
Meanwhile, Escudero stated that there will be no special session held for the trial.
“Who wants us to hold a trial before the elections?” the senator quipped.
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