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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
TRIAL ROBE. The Senate unveiled , on May 15, 2025, the Oxford crimson robes that will be worn by senators when they sit as judges for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate Social Media Unit
Senate President Chiz Escudero says the convening of the impeachment court remains uncertain, as senators may file a motion in the plenary to oppose it
MANILA, Philippines – Talks of not proceeding with the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte are circulating after Senate President Chiz Escudero postponed the reading of the Articles of Impeachment, the first step in the process, from June 2 to June 11.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, June 2, Escudero said that all pre-trial activities — including the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment, the convening of the impeachment court, and the issuance of summons — will take place on June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress before its sine die adjournment. (READ: [EDITORIAL] Makinig sa taumbayan: Ituloy ang impeachment trial ni Sara Duterte)
Escudero, however, emphasized that the convening of the impeachment court remains uncertain, as senators may file a motion in the plenary to oppose it. A simple majority vote will make the decision — at least 13 senators if all are present, or a majority of those present, provided there is a quorum.
This situation is particularly tricky, as some senators — especially those allied with the Dutertes — have expressed their opposition to the impeachment trial. Senator Imee Marcos, for example, said that critics need to accept the fact that the trial has already failed even before it has begun.
Another Duterte ally, Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta also said that the trial will not succeed in unseating her. Marcoleta will be sitting as senator-judge in the 20th Congress in case the trial spills over to it.
Senators have been making public statements about the looming impeachment trial, despite Escudero’s warning that they should refrain from doing so, as they will be sitting as judges in the proceedings.
In limbo
Given the changes in the timeline, the trial remains in limbo. According to the initial schedule released by Escudero in February, the actual trial was set to begin on July 30. However, this date could still change — or the trial may not happen at all.
“July 28 kami magre-resume. SONA [State of the Nation Address] ‘yun ng Pangulo. So, umaga ang sesyon, magbubukas ang Senado, mag-organize ang Senado, mag-a-adjourn para pakinggan ang SONA ng Pangulo. Ikalawang araw, Martes, July 29, doon pa lamang siguro mapag-uusapan ‘yung schedule na gagawin ng 20th Congress,” Escudero said.
(We will resume on July 28, which is the President’s SONA. The Senate session will open in the morning, organize itself, then adjourn to listen to the President’s SONA. The following day, Tuesday, July 29, the 20th Congress will likely discuss the schedule.)
The Senate President also said that even if the Senate under the 19th Congress convenes as an impeachment court, the upper chamber must reconvene as a court in the 20th Congress, since all actions and decisions made in the previous Congress are “non-binding” on the next one.
Notably, the 20th Congress can decide whether to convene as an impeachment court and proceed with the trial by simply adopting the rules of the previous Congress if they choose to do so. This decision, again, would be made by a simple majority vote.
“Karamihan ng mga member ng 19th ay nandun din sa 20th Congress, kailangan itong pagpasyahan muli ng 20th Congress, either by an affirmative vote or by their silence and acquiescence sa ginawa noong nagdaang Kongreso,” Escudero said.
(Most of the members of the 19th Congress are also in the 20th Congress. This needs to be decided again by the 20th Congress, either by an affirmative vote or by their silence and acquiescence to what was done in the previous Congress.)
Asked if delaying the trial is tantamount to violating the Constitution, Escudero said that those who think so can file a case before the Supreme Court. “Hindi. Pero may karapatan sila na iakyat ‘yan sa Korte Suprema kung tingin nila may nilalabag na ngayon sa Saligang Batas,” he said. (No. But they have the right to bring that to the Supreme Court if they believe a law is being violated.)
Watch the explainer below.
– Rappler.com
