Senate adjourns, no action on VP Duterte’s impeachment

The Senate of the Philippines adjourned its session on Wednesday without discussing the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte and will not take up the case during its scheduled break.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco formally delivered the articles to the Senate earlier that day, which were received but not immediately acted upon; the Senate will resume sessions after the May elections in June.

Lawyer Tranquil Salvador and Senator Ralph Recto discussed the legal complexities surrounding the impeachment process, including potential delays due to the end of terms for 12 senators.

Senate President Francis Escudero emphasized that legally there is no way for the Senate to convene an impeachment court during its break; he cited previous cases where trials began months after complaints were filed.

The Philippines' 1987 Constitution imposes a limit of one impeachment complaint per year against the same official, and Duterte remains the first vice president in Philippine history to face such proceedings.