SC orders Senate to respond within 10 days on VP Duterte's impeachment trial

The Supreme Court has directed the Senate to respond within 10 days regarding a petition by lawyer Catalino Aldea Generillo Jr., which seeks an immediate trial of the verified impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Generillo's mandamus petition argues that the use of 'forthwith' in the Constitution implies urgency and there is no legal basis for delay, as the official copy of the verified complaints was turned over before Congress adjourned on February 5.

Senate President Francis Escudero has referred the matter to the Solicitor General's Office to address the SC's directive, with the Senate itself not preparing nor responding directly to the order.

The High Court spokesperson Camille Ting highlighted that the SC treats matters related to impeachment with urgency due to their gravity.

A separate petition filed Tuesday asks the SC to declare the Articles of Impeachment null and void, arguing they are 'constitutionally deficient'.

Senate President Escudero maintains that no impeachment trial will take place during the congressional break as seven senators are focused on their reelection campaigns and the chamber is likely to constitute itself into an impeachment court only after President Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address in July.