Chiz welcomes Pimentel’s initiative on impeachment rules drafting

Senate President Francis Escudero (Photo: Chiz Escudero/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday expressed appreciation for Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III’s willingness to lead the drafting of rules for the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“I welcome and thank Sen. Pimentel’s offer to help draft the proposed rules. I will instruct the legal team to coordinate with him on this matter,” he said in a Viber message to reporters.

However, Escudero emphasized that all proposals, including rules and the trial calendar, require approval in plenary or by the Impeachment Court once sessions resume on June 2.

“Again, all of these are simply proposals that will have to be approved in plenary and/or by the Impeachment Court once we resume and/or convene,” he added.

Pimentel’s readiness to lead the drafting process follows Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino’s recommendation to establish a special subcommittee for this purpose.

He assured he will be waiting for the official designation.

“Hintay muna ako sa official assignment. Then discuss ko sa staff ko. Pero just like Sen. Tol(entino), I am also a candidate but I am willing to devote time to our duty (I’ll just wait for the official assignment. Then I’ll discuss it with my staff. But like like Sen. Tolentino, I am also a candidate but I am willing to devote time to our duty),” he said.

The Senate is preparing for the impeachment trial following the House of Representatives’ transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte on Feb. 5.

The trial is anticipated to commence once the Senate reconvenes.

Escudero has previously directed the creation of an administrative support group to ensure the Senate’s preparedness for the trial.