Escudero forms Senate support group for VP Sara’s impeachment trial

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Senate President Francis Escudero bangs the gavel to open the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress in Pasay City on Monday (July 22, 2024). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero has ordered the creation of an administrative support group to assist the chamber as it prepares to convene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a news release Thursday, Escudero announced that he has signed Special Order No.

2025-015 mandating the establishment of a structured support system to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the impeachment proceedings.

“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.

Under SO 2025-015, the Secretary of the Senate has been designated as the Clerk of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, responsible for overseeing administrative and procedural matters in accordance with the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.

The Secretary is also authorized to issue administrative orders, directives, and guidelines as needed.

The Senate Secretariat, composed of key offices and personnel, will provide legal, technical, administrative, and security support to the Clerk of Court.

The primary offices involved include the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel, which would be responsible for drafting subpoenas, writs, summons, orders, and legal instruments, as well as preparing legal memoranda and maintaining custody of exhibits submitted before the Impeachment Court; the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation, for the transcripts and journals of trial proceedings, handling official documents, and drafting Impeachment Court resolutions; and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, for maintaining security and order, serving legal documents, and ensuring decorum in the chamber during the trial.