Senate President Chiz Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to start after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July. The trial will commence after the new Congress begins its term, on July 21. Escudero stated that the trial will follow standard impeachment procedures and emphasized the complexity of the timing due to the upcoming midterm elections.
Senate President Chiz Escudero indicated that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte is likely to commence after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address ( SONA ) in July. Escudero stated that the trial will begin after the new Congress formally starts its functions, which is anticipated to be on July 21. The Senate received the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte on February 5, the final day of its session.
This followed the swift action of House lawmakers who expedited a resolution, signed by 215 lawmakers, that afternoon. By Friday, February 7, the number of supporting lawmakers had increased to 240. Escudero emphasized that the trial would be conducted according to standard impeachment procedures, comparable to any other impeachable officer facing trial. He expressed criticism towards the House lawmakers, questioning their inactivity for two months before taking action. He pointed out that the timing of the impeachment is complex due to the upcoming midterm elections. Escudero has previously stated that the 2025 Senate race will be influenced by the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte. During a break in the Senate session, Escudero indicated that they would begin drafting the impeachment rules to ensure a prompt discussion upon reconvening. He outlined the probable length of the impeachment process, stating that once the rules are approved, they will summon the accused (Vice President Duterte). She will be granted 10 business days to respond, with the possibility of requesting an extension. After her response, there will be another 10 days for the prosecution to submit a reply, potentially followed by rejoinders and surrejoinders from both sides. Escudero highlighted that both the accused and the prosecution have the right to submit additional pleadings if necessary. The Senate is scheduled to resume its session on June 2 and adjourn on June 13, leaving lawmakers with only six session days. The Senate will have a new set of senators starting June 30. The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), led by former president Rodrigo Duterte, has urged its supporters to vote for their candidates to ensure Vice President Duterte receives the necessary support during the trial. She requires only eight votes to be acquitted and remain in office
IMPEACHMENT SARA DUTERTE SENATE CHIZ ESCUDERO SONA 2025 SENATE RACE MIDTERM ELECTIONS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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