Senator Francis Escudero maintained that the Senate cannot be pressured into expediting the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that convening before the session resumes would be unlawful.
“Iligal na mag-convene ako ngayon dahil wala kaming sesyon. Ayaw kong madaliin dahil nag-relax ang Kamara ng dalawang buwan tapos mamadaliin kami ngayon,” Escudero said in a press conference on February 19.
The senator responded to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s call to act “forthwith” on the complaint, citing the constitutional mandate that impeachment trials should proceed without delay. However, Escudero clarified that the Constitution does not specify an immediate timeline, only that the trial should move forward once initiated.
Escudero also pointed out the lengthy legal process that follows the approval of impeachment rules, including the exchange of pleadings between Duterte and the House prosecutors. “Magfa-file pa ng answer si VP Sara, magpa-file ng reply ang kabila ang prosecutors… Bago kami makapag-set ng pre-trial,” he explained, highlighting the necessary steps before formal proceedings can begin.
Addressing a position paper from Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares urging the Senate to expedite the trial, Escudero questioned the urgency now being demanded. “Sino naman sila ngayon para madaliin kami samantalang sila naman at tila hindi nagmamadali kaugnay sa kanilang reklamo mismo?” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has required the Senate to respond within 10 days to a petition seeking an immediate trial. Escudero said the Senate has referred the matter to the Solicitor General’s Office, which will represent the Senate in the case.
Despite growing pressure, Escudero asserted that he remains impartial. “Wala. Dahil tulad ng sinabi ko sa inyo unang araw pa lang ng pagkakasampa ng impeachment… patas, parehas at pantay naming tatratuhin itong impeachment,” he said.
The impeachment proceedings remain in a legal and procedural limbo as debates continue on how to interpret constitutional mandates regarding trial timelines.
