Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III assured that if the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte are transmitted to the Senate, it will convene as an impeachment court “the following day.”
“That’s one thing for sure. Once we receive it, we will convene the following day as an impeachment court. If we do receive it ha,” Sotto told reporters in a chance interview on Thursday, April 30.
“Sa akin ang ‘forthwith,’ the following day,” he added.
The Supreme Court earlier ruled that “forthwith” in impeachment cases means “within a reasonable time,” not necessarily immediately, as the Constitution does not set a strict deadline for the Senate to begin trial. The timing is left to its discretion depending on the circumstances.
Asked about this, Sotto said the high court was ruling on a specific case. The Supreme Court had dismissed a petition seeking to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court over the articles filed against Duterte last year. That impeachment complaint was later declared unconstitutional, but new complaints were filed this year after the constitutional one-year ban on new cases lapsed.
House justice committee chair Gerville “Jinky” Luistro first told NewsWatch Plus that May 11 is the earliest possible date the House of Representatives could vote in plenary on whether to impeach Duterte. If approved, the articles of impeachment will then be transmitted to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court for trial.
Sotto is expected to serve as presiding officer.
Senators discuss preps
Senators held an all-members caucus on Thursday to discuss preparations for a possible trial.
Based on photos shared by Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, those present included him, Sotto, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Deputy Majority Leaders JV Ejercito and Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla, Raffy Tulfo, and Camille Villar.
Padilla was the only member of the minority present. Sotto said Padilla will relay the discussions to other senators.
“But then again, all these suggestions and preparations and possibilities of timing is depending on whether the articles of impeachment reach Senate. Number two, if it does, then we will have to sit down officially to do that. Pati yung schedule na sinasabi namin na probabilities,” Sotto said.
Sotto also stressed the need for the Senate to prepare. Lacson said the caucus had been scheduled days earlier for that purpose and was not triggered by the House justice committee’s finding of probable cause on the two impeachment complaints against Duterte on Wednesday.
“Napakahalagang handa kami [It is very important that we are prepared], because our countrymen are looking at this very seriously,” Sotto said.
