Senate rejects full caucus for Duterte-Duterte impeachment

Senate President Francis Escudero announced that most senators rejected a proposal for an all-member caucus during Congress' recess to discuss the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero said at a press conference on Thursday that there will be no formal caucus as many senators are traveling or have busy schedules, and outlined plans to begin proceedings on July 30.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III had called for an informal discussion but Escudero rejected it due to logistical and scheduling difficulties.

Escudero emphasized that the Senate will proceed legally and constitutionally with the trial as they await a Supreme Court decision on a petition filed by Kingdom of Jesus Christ lawyer Israelito Torreon, and proposed a calendar for the impeachment proceedings starting June 2.