Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero said on Monday he is putting the impeachment proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte up for debate at the plenary today, considering that members of the 19th Congress cannot bind the 20th Congress on this issue.
Escudero made the statement during a press conference amid various comments from fellow legislators as Filipinos anticipate the next chapter in the looming trial of VP Sara, who stands accused of public fund mismanagement, among other serious allegations.
The Senate chief has recently postponed the reading of the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President originally scheduled on June 2 to June 11, citing pending legislative matters that take higher priority over the political process.
Escudero noted that based on earlier pronouncements, the impeachment trial has been scheduled on July 28, making it part of the 20th Congress already. “Nothing will be lost,” he assured.
“If we are given the choice between two things we can do or two paths to take, you will choose the one that can do more for our fellow countrymen,” Escudero said, explaining why the Senate cannot delay the deliberation of pending legislative proposals that are currently in either second or third readings.
When asked whether the Senate will still convene as impeachment court before the 19th Congress ends, Escudero said: “That will probably be part of the debate because I’ve seen a lot of people giving their opinions.”
“In the end, whatever their opinions are, whether they are members of the Senate now or not, whatever my opinion is as Senate President, in the end, we will all follow the decision of the plenary. The plenary of the Senate is the supreme body of the Senate,” Escudero emphasized.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated. Quotes earlier delivered in Tagalog have been translated into English.
