Escudero bares proposed timeline for VP Sara’s impeachment trial

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Thursday, February 27 released the proposed calendar for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a press briefing, Escudero disclosed the following timeline:

• June 2 – Resumption of session and presentation of articles of impeachment
• June 3 – Convening of impeachment court and oathtaking of incumbent senator-judges
• June 4 – Issuance of summons
• June 14 to 24 – Reception of pleadings
• June 24 to July 25 – Pre-trial
• July 28 – Inaugural session of the Senate of the 20th Congress
• July 29 – Oathtaking of newly-elected senator-judges before sitting as an impeachment court
• July 30 – Start of trial

Escudero has also written Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Martin Romualdez about the Upper Chamber’s preparation for the trial saying he has “taken steps to take proper order on the subject of impeachment pursuant to Rule 1, Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.”

“The Senate hopes to adhere to the said schedule and, considering that both the prosecution and defense will have ample time to prepare for the proceedings, will not tolerate any dilatory motion or pleading,” he said in his letter to both officials.

Asked if there would be an all senators caucus, Escudero said there would be none as most of his colleagues are busy or are traveling abroad.

“Tinanong ko ang iba eh. Hindi rin naman nila gusto at busy din eh (I asked the others. They do not want to and they are also busy). How can it be an all senators’ caucus when most are travelling and some are abroad?” he explained.

“Some are not available, and some are not interested. And as I’ve said, kahit anong gawin namin, hangga’t walang sesyon, wala naman kaming masisimulan (whatever we do, until there is no session, we cannot start anything),” he added.

At the same time, Escudero signed Special Order No. 2025-015 (OSP) Series of 2025 for the establishment of an administrative support group that will assist the Upper Chamber when it convenes as an Impeachment Court.

The Senate leader earlier confirmed that the Upper Chamber is already deep in preparations for the impeachment trial.

“This Special Order is vital to ensure that the Senate, in its role as an Impeachment Court, operates smoothly and efficiently. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of justice and due process throughout the proceedings,” Escudero said upon issuance of the order.

SO 2025-015, signed on February 20, is effective immediately and will remain in force until the conclusion of the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte, according to the Senate leader.

Under the special order, the Senate Secretary, Renato Bantug, is designated as the Clerk of the Senate that will sit as an Impeachment Court in accordance with the Rules of Procedures on Impeachment Trials.

The Senate secretary will have the authority of the Senate President to issue administrative orders, directives, and guidelines as necessary to support the Clerk of Court and the Impeachment Court.

The order also outlines the detailed responsibilities and designations of support offices and personnel from the Senate Secretariat to provide comprehensive legal, technical, administrative, and general staff support to the Clerk of Court.

The primary offices that will be part of the team will also include the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel, the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation, and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, all of which will also act as Deputy Clerks.

The roles of these offices during the impeachment trials are as follows:

Office of the Senate Legal Counsel:

• Drafting of subpoenas, writs, summons, orders, resolutions, decisions, and other legal instruments.

• Preparation of legal memoranda and briefs, summaries of proceedings, and pleadings as required by the Presiding Officer or the Impeachment Court.

• Marking and maintaining custody of exhibits submitted before the Impeachment Court.

• Provision of procedural and substantive support to the Clerk of Court.

Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation:

• Transcripts and journals of the trial, custody and maintenance of the Oath Book, preparation of the Business of the Trial and scenario for each trial day.

• Drafting of Impeachment Court resolutions.

• Custody of and handling all documents pertaining to the proceedings.

• Processing requests for copies of Impeachment Trial documents, subject to approval and applicable fees.

Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms:

• Ensuring necessary security and safety measures to maintain order during the proceedings.

• Serving summons, subpoenas, and other legal documents as directed by the Presiding Officer or the Clerk of Court.

• Ensuring order in the chamber and its premises during the proceedings.

• Carrying out all orders and directives of the Presiding Officer related to the preservation of order and decorum.