Senate postpones impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte to June 11

The Senate has postponed the presentation of impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte from June 2 to June 11, citing the need to prioritize legislation and presidential appointments before their sine die adjournment on June 14.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stated that the Senate needs to focus on approving 12 priority bills in the remaining session days, which requires committee meetings and hearings.

Senate President Chiz Escudero confirmed the schedule change to allow the Senate to tackle these priority measures before adjourning.

Gatchalian agrees with dedicating the next two weeks to finishing legislative priorities before transitioning into an impeachment court.

House lawmakers have expressed concern that the delay might prevent the impeachment trial from proceeding, with some fearing the case could lapse into the 20th Congress.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February with 215 votes, citing charges including alleged misuse of confidential funds and a plot to assassinate the President's family, claims she denies.