18-07-2025
Senators question 'delayed' start of Sara Duterte impeachment trial
Majority of senator-judges vote on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in favor of returning the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. Courtesy: Joseph B. Vidal/OSP
Several senators on Friday raised questions regarding the plan to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 4, a week after the 20th Congress begins its first regular session.
According to Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, such a proposition may need to be discussed in the plenary to determine the justification for the "delayed" reconvening of the impeachment court to August 4, then senators could vote on it.
"Whatever the majorly of the 24 senators will decide, we should follow, but not without manifesting or explaining our votes, if some of us would choose to," Lacson said in a statement.
"As a senator-judge, I want to hear or participate in the discussion of any major issue involved in the impeachment process before making a decision because it is a constitutional duty," he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said that he would ask for a clarification regarding the proposed schedule.
"In keeping with the Constitutional mandate, dapat walang delay sa [there should be no delay in the] trial proper. The earliest possible time we can convene the better because the Constitution is quite clear that upon receipt of the complaint trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed," he said.
Article XI Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution states that: "In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed."
Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, also called for the start of the impeachment trial "at the soonest possible time," believing that it has been delayed "considerably."
Senator Bam Aquino, for his part, expressed readiness should the trial proper begin in August.
"Handa na tayong gampanan ang tungkulin at responsibilidad bilang senator-judge," Aquino said. Sa prosesong ito, titiyakin nating mananaig ang ating mga batas at kapakanan ng ating mamamayan."
(We are ready to fulfill our duty and responsibility as a senator-judge. In this process, we will ensure that our laws and the welfare of our people will prevail.)
The returning senator also disclosed that he has already consulted with lawyers and experts as part of his preparation for the upcoming trial.
"Bubusisiing mabuti ang mga ebidensyang ipepresenta, magiging mapanuri, at bukas ang mata at isip sa proseso. Sundin ang Konstitusyon — tuloy ang trial sa August 4," he added.
(We will scrutinize the evidence presented, be critical, and be open-minded in the process. We will follow the Constitution—the trial will push through on August 4.)
It was Senator Joel Villanueva who revealed that the Day 1 of Duterte's impeachment trial may be on August 4—a week after the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on July 28.
The SONA will be delivered hours after the Senate and the House of Representatives open their first regular session.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Vice President is accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
The Senate impeachment court first convened on June 10, with the senator-judges under the 19th Congress voting to return the Articles of Impeachment without dismissing or terminating the case.
Duterte had entered a "not guilty" plea in the verified impeachment complaint filed against her, which she called a mere "scrap of paper." — VDV, GMA Integrated News
