Escudero: Senate can't convene impeachment court during break

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero reiterated on Friday that there is no legal basis for the Senate to convene an impeachment court during its break period.

Escudero dismissed calls from Senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III and Howard Calleja, who argued that Article 11 Section 3.4 of the Constitution mandates immediate trial proceedings once a verified complaint is filed.

Pimentel suggested that starting the trial in July would violate constitutional timelines, while Escudero maintained that prudence was necessary given procedural requirements and pending clarifications.

Escudero emphasized his commitment to following legal procedures, stating that any deviation might bring their actions into question before the courts.

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte includes seven articles accusing her of betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.