Sotto urges SC to clarify Duterte VP’s impeachment continuity

Former Senate President Tito Sotto has emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to clarify whether Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial can continue into the 20th Congress despite being transmitted during the current 19th Congress.

Sotto cited a rule he established as majority leader, which mandates that an impeachment trial must conclude with a final judgment regardless of congressional adjournment.

However, Senate rules as a legislative body state that all proceedings terminate at the end of one Congress, creating a conflict.

Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino have noted procedural complications due to conflicting rules from previous impeachment trials.

Sotto stressed that the Supreme Court's decision is crucial to avoid wasting efforts if the trial cannot continue into the next congressional session.

The composition of the new Senate will be determined after the May 12 elections, which could influence how the impeachment case proceeds.