Azcuna says Senate can hold impeachment trial during recess

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna stated that the Senate can convene for an impeachment trial even during a congressional recess.

Azcuna clarified that impeachment proceedings are distinct from law-making, thus subject to different rules regarding timing.

He emphasized that the Senate continues to exist even during recess and can be compelled by the Constitution to undertake duties other than legislation, such as impeachment trials.

However, Senate President Francis Escudero discounted any impeachment proceedings while Congress is on recess.

Escudero stated that special sessions of Congress are intended only for legislative purposes and that the Senate sitting as an impeachment court is not legislative in character.

Impeachment rules were to be approved on June 2, but with required publication and response periods, the process could be extended until June 30 when the terms of the 23 senators expire.