New senators challenge fresh ‘delay’ in Duterte impeachment proceedings

Metro Manila, Philippines - The proposed Aug. 4 reconvening of the Senate impeachment court - set a week after Congress opens its session - has raised eyebrows among some newly elected senators who see it as another delay in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Senator Joel Villanueva revealed earlier this week that Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero had discussed the timeline with colleagues, with around six to eight senators expressing support. Villanueva said that after the session opens on July 28, senators would need about a week to organize and settle leadership positions.

In a statement Friday, July 18, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he would seek clarification on the timeline.

“In keeping with the constitutional mandate, dapat walang delay sa trial proper [there should be no delay in the trial proper],” Pangilinan said.

“The earliest possible time we can convene the better because the Constitution is quite clear that upon receipt of the complaint trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed,” he added.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, in a separate statement, said any decision must come from a majority vote of at least 13 senators.

“We may have to discuss the proposition in plenary, and find out the justification for the delayed convening of the impeachment court to Aug. 4, then vote on it,” Lacson said.

“As a senator-judge, I want to hear or participate in the discussion of any major issue involved in the impeachment process before making a decision because it is a constitutional duty,” he said.

Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III emphasized that the trial must begin at the soonest possible time “because they have delayed it considerably.”

Senator Bam Aquino, meanwhile, expressed no reservations about the Aug. 4 timeline and affirmed his readiness to serve as a senator-judge.

“Bubusisiing mabuti ang mga ebidensyang ipepresenta, magiging mapanuri, at bukas ang mata at isip sa proseso. Sundin ang Konstitusyon - tuloy ang trial sa August 4,” Aquino said on social media.

[Translation: We will thoroughly scrutinize the evidence to be presented, be critical, and keep our eyes and minds open throughout the process. Follow the Constitution — the trial will proceed on Aug. 4.]

All four senators - Pangilinan, Lacson, Sotto, and Aquino - have yet to take their oath as senator-judges, as they are newly elected.

Pangilinan and Aquino have been invited to join the majority bloc supporting Escudero, while Sotto and Lacson belong to the “veterans bloc” which may form the minority.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February over allegations of fund misuse and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. The Senate convened as an impeachment court four months later in June amid procedural disputes.

Debate now continues over whether the proceedings can carry into the 20th Congress, while Duterte’s petition to halt the process remains pending before the Supreme Court.