Senate to start Duterte's impeachment trial after SONA in July

Senate President Francis Escudero reiterated Tuesday, Feb. 11, that there are no immediate plans to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following the House of Representatives' endorsement of the complaint.

Two lawmakers assigned to prosecute Duterte said they will not rush the Senate to start the hearing, emphasizing respect for procedural rules and avoiding any appearance of bias or partiality.

Former Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna's argument that 'forthwith proceed' implies immediacy was echoed by Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, who noted that impeachment proceedings are a constituent power governed directly by the Constitution.

The Senate may likely start Duterte’s trial after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address on July 21, as Marcos has not requested Congress to convene for a special session.

Rep. Pammy Zamora argued that based on the legislative calendar, the Senate should have adjourned on Feb. 7 and had two days to address the impeachment complaint if it followed its schedule.