Senate to prep for Duterte impeach only after comp filed

Senate President Francis Escudero stated Thursday that the Senate will only begin preparations for a possible impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte when an impeachment complaint is formally submitted.

Escudero emphasized at the Kapihan sa Senado forum that early preparations could be seen as presumptuous, noting that they have approximately two to three weeks once a complaint is filed.

He reiterated his refusal to comment on the contents of any potential complaints and advised senators to refrain from making public comments about them.

Two impeachment complaints against Duterte have been filed at the House of Representatives: one by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña and another by lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc, focusing on allegations such as culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, abuse of funds, and obstruction of congressional oversight.

Despite the Senate going on break starting December 20, Escudero confirmed that an impeachment proceeding is a unique process not constrained by ordinary session schedules.