Pimentel urges Escudero to call caucus on Duterte VP impeachment timeline

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III is urging Senate President Francis Escudero to call for an all-senators' caucus to discuss the timeline of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero said Friday that he would consult fellow senators regarding Pimentel's proposal and indicated disagreement with starting the trial during the recess period.

The House of Representatives impeached Ms. Duterte on Feb. 5 on charges of violating the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes, and more than 200 congressmen filed and signed the impeachment complaint against her.

Pimentel noted that taking up the matter in June would be too long a wait and could expose the Senate to unnecessary criticism, while maintaining that the Senate can hold a special session without a call from President Marcos Jr.

Escudero also addressed allegations by 1Sambayan convenor Howard Calleja who claimed he committed a 'constitutional breach' for failing to act forthwith on the impeachment case and prematurely adjourning the Senate session.