Escudero: Forthwith, not immediately, allows Senate more time for impeachment trial

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero stated that the wording of the 1987 Constitution, specifically the term "forthwith," justifies the Senate's need for more time to prepare for an impeachment trial, rather than starting immediately.

Escudero countered criticisms from constitutional framer Christian Monsod regarding the Senate's delay, suggesting that if immediate action was intended, the framers should have used the word "immediately" instead of "forthwith."

He argued that it is not for current officials to interpret the Constitution based on their present perspective, implying that the framers' choice of words should be respected.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "forthwith" as "without any delay," a definition that has been cited by those questioning Escudero's stance that the Senate trial cannot begin while Congress is in recess.