Senate impeachment court delays oath-taking until July 28

The Senate impeachment court is preparing for the oath-taking ceremony of new senator-judges but will not proceed until after a presiding officer is elected and the House complies with two orders issued by the Court.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol emphasized that six out of eleven major steps have been completed, but an oath-taking ceremony cannot occur without a Senate president in place to oversee it.

The earliest possible date for the swearing-in ceremony is July 28, following the ceremonial opening of Congress and compliance with the House's orders to ensure legal legitimacy.

Tongol underscored that the impeachment court will err on the side of caution to prevent any technicalities or legal impediments during the oath-taking process, noting that Escudero remains as Senate president in a holdover capacity until a new election is held.

The impeachment court convened on June 10 and awaits the House's compliance with its second order before proceeding with the trial in the 20th Congress.