Senate to proceed with VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial absent SC TRO

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero confirmed that the Senate will proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

Caritas Philippines urged Escudero to act swiftly on the impeachment proceedings, emphasizing it is a matter of national concern requiring urgent attention.

Escudero stated that the Senate is preparing for the trial, as there is no Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Supreme Court halting the proceedings.

He reiterated that there are no plans to call a special session while Congress is on break, citing constitutional guidelines.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5 and transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.

Official preparations for the trial will begin on June 2 with the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment and approval of revised trial rules.

The Impeachment Court is set to convene on June 3, with incumbent senator judges taking their oaths of office, and a summons is expected to be issued to Duterte on June 4.

Newly elected senators will officially take their oath on July 29, seating them as Impeachment Court judges, with the trial tentatively proposed to start on July 30, a schedule Caritas Philippines urged to be adhered to swiftly.