Marcos Jr. open to special Senate session for VP impeachment complaint

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated he would convene a special Senate session to address the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte if the senators formally request it.

Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio, however, stated that a special session cannot be called for an impeachment trial as it is only for enacting laws.

Senate President Francis Escudero is also averse to the idea of a special session, a proposal also raised by former Senate president Franklin Drilon.

Carpio explained that with the Senate's limited session period from June 2 to June 13, there would be insufficient time to conduct an impeachment trial.

He further noted that the Senate must revise and publish new impeachment rules and allow Duterte 10 days to respond, a process that would consume considerable time.

Carpio highlighted that no witnesses have testified yet, and the Senate will start the impeachment proceedings afresh.

Senator Joel Villanueva previously said he would comply if the President asks for a special session but will not request one himself.