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‘Senate can start processing pleadings on Sara impeachment’
Senate President Francis Escudero stated the Senate will follow legal procedures for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, rejecting the issuance of a summons during congressional recess.
Escudero warned that rushing the impeachment process could delay proceedings or allow Duterte to challenge it.
However, a member of the House prosecution team, Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor, believes the Senate can process pleadings and exchange official communications even before formally convening as an impeachment court.
Defensor argued that issuing a writ of summons now would expedite the process, allowing both sides to complete their pleadings before the trial formally begins on June 2, as stipulated by Rule 7 of the Senate Rules of Impeachment.
Lead prosecutor Rep. Marcelino Libanan maintained that the motion for a writ of summons was a necessary procedural move and noted that the Senate has conducted inquiries even during breaks.
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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.
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House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan urged for the expedition of all impeachment trials, particularly the one against Vice President Sara Duterte, to prevent abuse of power.
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The House prosecution team is intensifying preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by dividing into smaller groups focused on specific Articles of Impeachment.
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Members of the House of Representatives' prosecution panel are approximately 80 percent ready for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
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Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor stated that Vice President Sara Duterte must answer her impeachment case, irrespective of her father's crimes against humanity charge before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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