Lawmakers respect Senate’s discretion on Duterte impeachment trial timing

Lawmakers involved in the prosecution panel for Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings expressed respect for the Senate's discretion on when to commence the trial.

Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor emphasized that while they hope for a prompt start, they recognize the Senate's independence and will adhere to its decisions.

Defensor likened their stance to court procedures where lawyers comply with judges' scheduling decisions and noted that the impeachment process is sui generis or 'a class of its own,' distinct from regular legislative processes.

Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that there would be no impeachment trial during the session break as the Senate had not convened an impeachment court yet, citing rules stating the Senate President shall take proper order of the subject of impeachment.

More than 200 members of the House signed a fourth verified impeachment complaint against Duterte on Wednesday, supporting seven articles of impeachment.

Vice President Sara Duterte said she was consulting her lawyers regarding her case and expressed faith in God's protection for the Philippines.