Senate moves impeachment trial timeline to focus on ‘priority measures’

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The Senate has moved the presentation of the articles of impeachment — the first step in the trial — to June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Chiz Escudero has moved the timeline of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte to “allow the Senate to tackle priority measures” before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 13. 

The House prosecutors were initially scheduled to read the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte on June 2, when the Senate resumes session. This has been rescheduled to June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress. 

June 12 is the Independence Day holiday.

“With only six session days before the sine die adjournment, it is imperative for the Senate and the House of Representatives to prioritize the passage of these measures, consistent also with the administration’s thrust to align our government with the people’s needs and expectations,” Escudero said on Thursday, May 29.

The 20th Congress will open on July 28. The newly-elected senators and House lawmakers will assume office on June 30.

The presentation of the articles of impeachment marks the first step in the trial process. After this, the Senate may convene as an impeachment court and issue summons. Once the summons are served, the Vice President has 10 days to respond, while the House prosecutors are given 5 days to reply. (LOOK: Proposed timetable for impeachment trial against VP Sara Duterte)

Escudero told reporters that these administrative activities will be completed by June 11. It remains unclear whether the Senate will conduct any pre-trial proceedings after that date, especially since the next session does not begin until July 28. It is also uncertain whether the actual trial, scheduled for July 30, will proceed as planned given changes in the initial timeline. 

In addition to passing priority bills, the Senate President highlighted the need to act on over 200 presidential appointments. These include three Cabinet secretaries, four officials from constitutional commissions, 39 foreign service officers, and 277 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Escudero made the announcement following the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting on Thursday at Malacañang. Among the priority bills identified were the Anti-POGO Act and a measure to set fixed terms for barangay officials. — Rappler.com