House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed on Wednesday, March 19 Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and the Senate leadership for their thorough preparations for Vice President Sara Duterte upcoming impeachment trial in June.

“The Senate has shown its commitment to upholding due process and ensuring a fair and impartial impeachment trial. I extend my deepest gratitude to Senate President Escudero and the entire Senate for their readiness and professionalism in handling this historic proceeding,” Romualdez said in a statement Wednesday, March 19.

The Speaker’s remarks came after House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco and other House officials visited the Senate Tuesday to inspect the facilities that will be allocated for the House prosecution team.

“The House has done its part in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment, and our prosecution panel is ready to present the case as soon as the impeachment court is convened. We trust that the Senate will carry out its constitutional duty and proceed with the trial without unnecessary delays, in accordance with the rule of law,” he added.

According to Romualdez, Velasco's visit showed the senators' readiness to handle the impeachment trial.

“Napakahalaga ng maaga at maayos na paghahanda upang matiyak ang kaayusan pagdating ng impeachment trial (Early and proper preparations are vital in ensuring order during the impeachment trial)," noted the Leyte 1st district congressman.

Velasco’s team first visited the Senate session hall, which will serve as the venue for the trial, and later proceeded to the Sen. Arturo M. Tolentino Room, which has been designated as the office for the House prosecutors.

“We’re happy to see these facilities of the Senate where the trial will be held. This is exactly the venue where the last impeachment trial was held. This was the time of President PNoy [Benigno S.] Aquino [III] and then the trial of Chief Justice [Renato] Corona,” Velasco told reporters during Tuesday's inspection.

The Speaker also assured the public that the House prosecution team is fully prepared to present their case as soon as the impeachment court is convened.

“Ang report sa akin ng mga House prosecutors, handa na sila na mag-present ng kaso anomang oras buksan ang impeachment court (The House prosecutors told me that they're ready to present the case anytime that impeachment court would convene.)

He emphasized that the prosecution panel has meticulously reviewed the evidence and legal arguments to ensure a solid and fact-based presentation before the Senate acting as an impeachment court.

“The House prosecution panel will have the necessary facilities to conduct their work efficiently. We have the Senate to thank for this. It ensures that our representatives can fulfill their constitutional duty to present the impeachment case in a dignified and professional manner,” Romualdez, a product of University of the Philippines (UP) Law School, said.

He also highlighted the importance of the Senate’s cooperation in ensuring a smooth trial process.

Coordination is key

“The Senate, led by Senate President Escudero, has taken decisive steps to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place. This level of coordination between the House and the Senate is vital in upholding our democratic processes,” he said.

He reiterated that the impeachment trial is a solemn constitutional process and should be conducted with the highest level of integrity and impartiality.

“This is about ensuring that our democratic institutions remain strong, credible, and accountable to the Filipino people. I trust that the Senate will exercise its role as the impeachment court with the utmost fairness and independence,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker further assured that the House prosecution panel is fully committed to presenting their case with objectivity and adherence to the rule of law.

“We are here to follow the process laid out in our Constitution. The House has done its part in impeaching the Vice President, and now it is up to the Senate to conduct a fair trial based on facts and evidence,” he said.

Romualdez emphasized that the impeachment trial will serve as an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the country’s democratic institutions.

“This is a test of our commitment to accountability and the rule of law. The world is watching, and we must show that the Philippines stands firmly on the side of justice,” he said.