Teacher-lawyer petitions SC on 'forthwith' in VP impeachment

On Monday, a teacher running for House of Representatives filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the impeachment process regarding Vice President Sara Duterte.

John Tayam questioned the interpretation of 'forthwith' in Article XI's Section 3(4), which states that Senate trials shall proceed immediately after receiving Articles of Impeachment from the House.

Senate President Francis Escudero has stated that the Senate can only convene as an impeachment court during Congress sessions, delaying the trial until July when the 20th Congress opens.

Tayam denied any political motives for his petition and said he is solely funding it out of concern about constitutional issues.

Vice President Duterte herself filed a separate petition with the Supreme Court challenging the validity and constitutionality of her fourth impeachment complaint.