Lawyer asks SC to compel Senate to convene impeachment court for VP Sara

A lawyer, Catalino Aldea Generillo Jr., has petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court and begin the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Generillo argued that the 1987 Constitution mandates the Senate to proceed with impeachment trials "forthwith," meaning immediately and without delay, even during congressional recess.

He cited that the Constitution requires the Senate to act upon receiving a verified impeachment complaint supported by at least one-third of the House of Representatives, which was transmitted on February 5.

The Senate, however, adjourned its session on February 5 without convening as an impeachment court, with Senate President Francis Escudero stating that trials cannot legally begin during recess.

Escudero indicated that the Senate would review its rules on impeachment during the recess and that proceedings would likely commence in June when Congress resumes sessions.