Escudero rejects VP Duterte's impeachment rush

Senate President Francis Escudero continues to resist calls from religious groups, sectoral representatives, and House members to expedite the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero dismissed a petition with one million signatures from the People's Impeachment Movement, stating that no amount of public support can alter legal procedures or convince him to violate the law by convening an impeachment court during recess.

He emphasized in a statement on Wednesday, March 5 that laws are 'not bendable and should not bow to anyone's dictate' regarding the commencement of the trial.

The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate just two hours before it adjourned on February 5, with Congress set to reconvene in June.

Escudero proposes starting the trial either on July 30 or when new senators are sworn into office for the 7th Congress, while House members like Manila Rep. Joel Chua raise concerns about evidence tampering and witness resolve if the start date is delayed.

According to a proposed impeachment calendar, the Senate would present the articles of impeachment and approve the revised Rules on the Procedure on Impeachment Trials once it reconvenes on June 2.