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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Why Aug. 4? Senators to question 'delay' of impeachment court's convening

Why Aug. 4? Senators to question 'delay' of impeachment court's convening

Published Jul 18, 2025 02:21 pm

At A Glance

  • Some senators seek clarification over the proposed August 4 convening of the Senate Impeachment Court for Vice President Sara Duterte's trial.
Some senators are not too keen on resetting the convening of the Senate Impeachment court to August 4, a week after the opening of the first regular session of the 20th Congress.
(MB file photo)
(MB file photo)
It was Senator Joel Villanueva who first mentioned that the Senate Impeachment court would likely convene on this date for the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said on Friday, July 18, that they will seek clarification regarding the proposed resetting.
"In keeping with the Constitutional mandate, dapat walang (there shouldn't be any) delay sa (with the) trial proper," Pangilinan said.
He added that the earliest possible time that they can convene is better because the Constitution is quite clear that upon receipt of the complaint, trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.
Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said that they may need to discuss the proposition in plenary and determine the justification for the delayed convening of the impeachment court, then vote on it.
"Whatever the majorly of the 24 senators will decide, we should follow, but not without manifesting or explaining our votes, if some of us would choose to," Lacson said.
"As a senator-judge, I want to hear or participate in the discussion of any major issue involved in the impeachment process before making a decision because it is a constitutional duty," he added.
Sen.  Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said that "as long as they start it at the soonest possible time, because they have delayed it considerably."
Meanwhile, Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent impeachment trial that upholds the rule of law and serves the public interest.
“Handa na tayong gampanan ang tungkulin at responsibilidad bilang senator-judge (We are ready to fulfill our duty and responsibility as senator-judge),” Aquino said on Facebook.
“Sa prosesong ito, titiyakin nating mananaig ang ating mga batas at kapakanan ng ating mamamayan (In this process, we will ensure that our laws and the welfare of our people will prevail),” he added.
In a separate post, Aquino shared that he has already consulted with lawyers and experts as part of his preparation for the upcoming trial.
Villanueva earlier said in a media forum that "it looks like" they will wait for one week to organize themselves as a Senate.
"Then the week after, we can convene the impeachment court and have the defense and the prosecution present their cases...so you're looking at the week after, Aug. 4," he added.
Villanueva said these activities were in addition to the swearing in of the new set of senator-judges. However, he clarified that there's still no definite decision as to whether they will convene.
Senate President "Francis" Chiz Escudero has previously stated that the oath-taking of senator-judges would take place on July 29, while the trial would begin on July 30.
In addition to this, Sen.  Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stated that he will raise a motion on whether the incoming members of the Senate in the 20th Congress wish to continue the impeachment trial of President Duterte.

Related Tags

Senate of the Philippines impeachment complaint impeachment court Vice President Sara Duterte
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