Constitutional experts urge Senate to convene for VP Duterte's impeachment

One of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, lawyer Rene Sarmiento, asserts that the Senate must immediately convene and start discussing the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua echoed Sarmiento's stance, emphasizing that the Constitution uses the words 'shall' and 'forthwith', indicating mandatory and immediate action.

Despite ongoing debates over the timing of the trial, House prosecutors are respecting Senate President Francis Escudero's opinion while adhering to constitutional mandates.

There is a discussion on whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can call for a special session to convene an impeachment court and concerns about legislative composition changes affecting the proceedings.

Legal experts like former senator Franklin Drilon and retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio believe Duterte's impeachment provides sufficient grounds to call for a special session, while others raise potential constitutional issues.