VP Duterte impeachment trial to proceed in 20th Congress

Senate President Francis Escudero stated that Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial will likely commence in the 20th Congress after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address.

However, a House prosecutor, Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor, argued that the Senate can initiate the impeachment trial even during a congressional recess, as the Constitution mandates it to "forthwith proceed" upon receipt of the Articles of Impeachment.

Defensor clarified that it does not matter if Congress is in session or on break; once the articles are transmitted, the Senate should receive it as a court.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel previously disagreed with Escudero, citing the same constitutional mandate.

Escudero had acknowledged Pimentel's opinion but pointed out that the timeline for pleadings would extend beyond the 19th Congress's adjournment.

The Senate received the Articles of Impeachment from the House on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Escudero previously reiterated his intention not to call for a special session to expedite the trial during the 19th Congress, which ends on June 30.