Chiz tells House lawmaker to study impeachment rules

Senate President Francis Escudero criticized a House lawmaker for insisting that the Senate proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte during recess, stating the lawmaker needs to "study more."

Escudero clarified that the lawmaker's argument for holding impeachment proceedings during recess is legally flawed and could jeopardize the impeachment case.

He distinguished between motu propio hearings, which can occur during recess, and impeachment proceedings, which cannot.

The Senate President also reiterated that potential International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte or Senator Ronald dela Rosa would not affect the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero explained that the two matters are separate incidents with no connection and that there is no law mandating a postponement of the impeachment due to ICC-related factors or protest actions.

The Senate is scheduled to handle the impeachment case against the Vice President on June 2, the day after its session resumes.