Escudero: Signature campaign won't rush VP Sara impeachment trial

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero stated that a signature campaign will not force the Senate to expedite the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing adherence to the law.

He reiterated that convening the impeachment court during a recess would be illegal and that signatures cannot amend or bend the law to rush proceedings.

Escudero's statement was in response to House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre's call for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial without being hindered by technicalities.

Acidre had cited a plan of civil society groups to gather one million signatures in support of an immediate impeachment trial.

Escudero asserted that the law is not flexible and should not be dictated by personal desires or biases to speed up the impeachment process.

The Articles of Impeachment against Duterte were transmitted by the House of Representatives to the Senate before the session adjourned on February 5.

A proposed impeachment calendar suggests the trial could begin on July 30, though the Senate would present articles and approve revised rules upon reconvening on June 2.