Impeachment court for Duterte trial may reconvene August 4 - Villanueva

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate may reconvene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 4, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

Speaking during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Wednesday, July 16, Villanueva said that once the 20th Congress opens its session on July 28, senators will need about a week to organize, including settling committee chairmanships and leadership positions.

“And then the week after, we can convene the impeachment court and have the defense and the prosecution present their cases,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva noted that there have been “informal talks” among senators, including Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, regarding this timeline — but emphasized that no final decision has been made.

“Ako nung tinanong niya (Escudero) ko nag-agree na ko na pwede iyang August 4 [When he asked me, I agreed that August 4 would be possible],” Villanueva said.

“That’s enough time for the Senate and House to organize themselves,” he said.

He added that around four to six senators share this view, based on their informal discussions.

Villanueva also acknowledged that on July 29 — the day after the opening of session and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address — any senator could move to immediately convene the impeachment court and administer the oath to the new senator-judges.

This may then be put to a vote.

Pending House compliance

The Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, previously remanded the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives, requesting two requirements: a certification that the complaint does not violate the Constitution, and a communication that the 20th Congress intends to proceed with the trial.

As of now, the House has yet to submit the second requirement.

Villanueva said the Senate has to decide how to proceed if the House does not comply.

“Wala pa hong final decision as to whether or not we will convene but it looks like maganda yung pag-uusap,” Villanueva said.

[Translation: There’s still no final decision on whether we will convene, but the discussions are looking positive.]

He reiterated his stance that the Senate must fulfill its constitutional duty by proceeding with a trial, rather than dismissing the impeachment case outright.

Duterte has sought the dismissal of the case through an answer ad cautelam (with caution). Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a known ally of Duterte, said he intends to question the jurisdiction of the impeachment court.

Senate responds to Supreme Court

Meanwhile, petitions questioning the impeachment proceedings — including one filed by Duterte herself — are pending before the Supreme Court. Although the Court has not issued a temporary restraining order, it has directed both the House and Senate to submit documents related to the impeachment complaints and the final Articles of Impeachment endorsed to the Senate.

On Tuesday, July 15, the Senate submitted a manifestation ad cautelam before the Supreme Court, stating that it lacks sufficient knowledge to address the questions and noting that the impeachment court had also posed similar questions to the House when it remanded the complaint.

“This filing reflects the Senate’s commitment to cooperation and respect for judicial processes, while also observing the proper institutional roles set by our Constitution,” Impeachment Court spokesperson Regie Tongol said in a statement.