Pimentel urges Escudero to start VP Duterte's impeachment trial

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has urged Senate President Francis Escudero to immediately commence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing constitutional obligations.

Pimentel emphasized during a recent letter and interview that it's the Senate's duty to act on the impeachment complaint without delay and called for a caucus to direct all senators' attention to the matter.

Speaking to reporters in the 'Kapihan sa Senado' forum on Thursday, Pimentel said Escudero was prepared for the trial, noting that rules had already been reviewed.

Former Presidential Commission on Good Government special government counsel Catalino Generillo Jr. filed a petition for mandamus with the Supreme Court to compel the Senate to convene as an impeachment court without delay.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, but the Senate adjourned without addressing the case, while Escudero maintains that proceedings will start in June when half the Senate will be replaced in July.

Pimentel argued that the trial could begin as early as March and questioned the necessity of a special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasizing that only the Senate needs to convene for an impeachment court.