SC petition for VP Duterte's impeachment trial

Lawyer Catalino Aldea Generillo Jr. has petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the Senate to form an impeachment court and begin the trial of verified complaints filed by the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Generillo cited Section 3(4) of Article XI of the Constitution, arguing that once a verified complaint is filed by at least one-third of House members, the Senate must immediately proceed with the trial.

The Supreme Court has raffled the petition and may include it in their agenda on Tuesday, February 18. Member of the House prosecution panel Rodge Gutierrez expressed optimism that the High Court will grant the petition.

Generillo maintains that the Constitution does not allow the Senate to delay its duty during recess, while Senate President Francis Escudero asserts that the Senate can only convene as an impeachment court when Congress is in session.

The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate on February 5, the same day the House impeached Duterte. Gutierrez emphasized that the upcoming elections should not be a reason for delaying the trial.