Escudero sets tentative start of Sara Duterte impeachment trial on July 30

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has released the initial timetable for procedures related to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the tentative start of the trial on July 30.
Escudero provided to the media a copy of a letter dated February 24 that he sent to his colleagues, Duterte, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, with an attached proposed calendar for the impeachment trial:
- June 2 at 3 p.m.: Resumption of session; presentation of the Articles of Impeachment by the prosecutors; and Approval of the revised Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials
- June 3 at 9 a.m.: Convening the Impeachment Court and oath-taking of incumbent senator-judges
- June 4: Issuance of summons
- June 14 to 24: Reception of pleadings
- June 24 to July 25: Pre-trial
- July 28: Inaugural session of the Senate of the 20th Congress (10 a.m.); Joint Session of Congress to hear the State of the Nation Address of the President (4 p.m.)
- July 29: Oath-taking of newly elected senator-judges before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court (9 a.m.); Plenary session of the Senate (3 p.m.)
- July 30: Start of trial (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
At a press briefing Thursday, Escudero said the proposed calendar would still be "discussed and decided" by the Senate once senators resume sessions on June 2.
"Hindi ito nakaukit sa bato. Hindi ito 'yong mangyayari na talaga... para magkaroon sila ng ideya na at habang recess matimbang na nila kung ano talaga ang gusto nila at ano ang magiging pasya ng mas nakararami kaugnay niyan," Escudero said.
(This is not carved in stone. This is not what will actually happen... while Congress is in recess, this is meant to give them an idea, assess, and come to a majority decision regarding the matter.)
He added that he furnished Duterte and Romualdez a copy of his letter to the senators for their "reference" and in the "interest of transparency."
Aside from the proposed calendar for procedures, Escudero's letter to his colleagues also included the Special Order which provides for the designation of various Senate offices as administrative support to the impeachment court.
In this letter, Escudero provided a lengthy explanation citing several jurisprudence and precedents on his interpretation of the word "forthwith" in tackling impeachment cases under the 1987 Constitution and why he is firm that the impeachment trial should start while Congress is in session, not in a special session.
"This is an extraordinary duty that should be approached with all due caution and prudence, not to mention adequate preparation," Escudero's letter read.
As he is firm on his position, Escudero informed his colleagues that he would propose the following amendments to the existing rules:
- Authorize the Senate President to issue summons on the person impeached and preside over the pre-trial and the receipt of judicial affidavits
- Incorporate directly or by reference, Revised Rules of Court provisions on judicial affidavits, pre-trial conference, reception of evidence, electronic filing of pleadings, and other matters
- Provide clear guidance on the procedure to be followed in case the trial is not concluded before the sine die adjournment of Congress
According to Escudero, the proposed amendments shall be circulated to all the senators for review, comment, and further amendments on or before March 31 "so that the revised rules can be approved by the Senate in plenary when we resume session on June 2,2025."
Meanwhile, Escudero's separate letters to Duterte and Romualdez informed them that he commenced the following preparations related to the impeachment trial:
- Ordering a review of the Rules of Procedures in Impeachment Trials for possible amendments and drafting of template impeachment court forms
- Determining the appropriate physical arrangements in the session hall to accommodate the Senate sitting as an impeachment court
- Institution of an enhanced security and visitor registration procedure and setting up designated areas for the prosecution, defense, media, and other guests
- Improvement of redundant systems for internet connection, electricity supply, and establishment of other logistical requirements to ensure a continuous and transparent trial
- Procurement of necessary equipment and supplies, including the robes for senator-judges
- Engagement of external counsel, legal consultants, and researchers
- Setting up of an e-filing system for the reception of digital copies of pleadings from the parties and transmission of resolutions or orders from the impeachment court to the parties and their counsel
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate the same day, but the upper chamber adjourned without addressing the case.
Meanwhile, Duterte has filed a Supreme Court petition challenging the validity of the impeachment complaint.
Lawyers from Mindanao and other groups have also asked the SC to stop the trial, calling the complaint defective.
Another petition filed by lawyer Catalino Generillo Jr. seeks to compel the Senate to convene as an impeachment court immediately. — VDV/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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