Pimentel wants impeachment trial for VP Duterte in March

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is pushing for the Senate to convene an impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte in March.

Senate President Francis Escudero, however, questions the legality of convening during a congressional break, suggesting proceedings should begin when Congress reconvenes on June 2.

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon countered Escudero, stating that the constitutional provision for impeachment trials to "forthwith proceed" upon receipt of Articles of Impeachment should be the basis for action, not public clamor.

House Assistant Majority Leaders Jude Acidre and Jil Bongalon contend that the Senate can convene as an impeachment court even without a special session called by the President or a Supreme Court order, as the constitutional provision itself is the call to act.

Acidre further argued that the Senate convenes outside of its legislative calendar for non-legislative matters such as approving a martial law declaration, demonstrating its capability to act immediately on impeachment.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte with 215 members voting in favor.

Drilon does not expect the Supreme Court to intervene in the impeachment process due to the separation of powers.