Metro Manila, Philippines – The trial proper for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case may begin in June, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said Saturday, May 2.
In a statement, Lacson said the Senate may convene as an impeachment court immediately after receiving the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte but some procedures must first take place before the trial.
“At least three weeks may be needed for procedures such as the issuance of summons and reply, and a preliminary conference for purposes of stipulations and possible marking of evidence before the trial starts,” the senator said.
The preliminary conference or “pre-trial” may involve the Senate president or his legal adviser defining what issues may be taken up during the trial.
Lacson highlighted the need for a proper pre-trial, citing “confusion” in the trial of the late former Chief Justice Renato Corona due to the “absence of an early pre-trial process.”
He said this led to “surprise” witnesses midway through the proceedings.
Lacson also said the trial will likely push through even if the Supreme Court decides to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO).
“The impeachment court is a constitutional body and the Supreme Court has said it respects not only the Senate but the impeachment court as co-equal. The impeachment court’s decision cannot be appealed even before the Supreme Court. It is final,” he said.
“I am not saying that it is an option to ignore the TRO. But we must discuss and vote on it. We will always make decisions based on the majority,” he added.
For preparations, Lacson said he had already reminded the panel to “act like judges” and not appear partial to the prosecution or defense.
The lawmaker said some ₱27 million may be available for the impeachment trial budget, as only ₱512,000 of the ₱27.544 million allocated for last year’s impeachment complaint was spent for 60 senator-judges’ robes as well as IDs and other items.
In a unanimous vote on April 29, the House justice committee found probable cause for the impeachment complaints against Duterte to proceed to the next stage.
The panel will next submit a committee report to plenary, which will decide whether or not to impeach the vice president and send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.
Duterte has skipped all impeachment hearings in the House panel and insisted that she will answer to allegations in the Senate as it convenes as a trial court.
