Pimentel urges Escudero to convene impeachment trial

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III suggested that the Senate may convene independently as an impeachment court despite Congress being in recess.

Pimentel argued at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday that both the Constitution and Senate rules allow the chamber to process Articles of Impeachment without a special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He emphasized the Senate's obligation to act 'forthwith' as mandated by the Constitution, noting that waiting for executive intervention undermines their constitutional mandate.

Pimentel urged Senate President Francis Escudero to convene the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte based on public pressure and legal basis, citing Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution.

The senator acknowledged ongoing debates over proper constitutional processes but stressed that waiting for executive intervention is not necessary for the Senate to fulfill its duties.

On February 5, the Senate went into recess without addressing the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte transmitted by the House of Representatives shortly before adjournment.