Special session on VP Duterte impeachment trial now off Escudero’s table
Senate President Francis Escudero and Vice President Sara Duterte — NIÑO JESUS ORBETA and GRIG MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Calling for a special Senate session so that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could proceed earlier is now off Senate President Francis Escudero’s table.
Escudero disclosed this during a press conference on Monday, noting that under the Philippine Constitution, a special session should only be called to tackle urgent legislation.
“What do you want me to do, lie? Pretend and act that there’s an urgent legislation so I could request for a special session?” Escudero told reporters in Filipino.
At this point, he was asked to categorically say if requesting for a special session was already “off the table,” to which he answered immediately: “On my part.”
Escudero likewise made clear that no clamor from any group would be able to change what was written in laws, emphasizing that the Senate’s decision does not depend on who speaks louder.
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to the Senate chief, it is illegal for the Senate to convene into an impeachment court while there are no ongoing sessions.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he would willingly call a special Senate session to tackle the Duterte’s impeachment only if the chamber asks for it.
READ: Marcos: Will call special session if asked by Senate
Escudero, meanwhile, said they would have no choice but to convene into a special session if Marcos categorically asks for it.
“The Senate and the House of Representatives have no reason to turn down their request. Why wouldn’t we obey?” he said in Filipino.
He also said that the impeachment trial would commence after Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address in July.
