Escudero rejects bid to make VP Sara answer impeachment charges

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Escudero made the statement after House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, lead prosecutor in Duterte’s impeachment trial, said he believes the Senate could proceed even during Congress’ break. (PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday reminded their counterparts in the House of Representatives of the rule that prohibits the Senate from tackling any impeachment complaint sans a legislative session as this is illegal.

Escudero made the statement after House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, lead prosecutor in Duterte’s impeachment trial, said he believes the Senate could proceed even during Congress’ break.

“We haven’t responded to the letter. We will answer it formally,” he said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, referring to the House prosecution panel’s formal request.

Escudero reminded House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of the clear legal distinction between legislative sessions and recess.

He explained that it is only when Congress is in session that the Articles of Impeachment could be discussed and the impeachment court to be convened, after swearing in members from the Senate.

He pushed back against House claims that the Senate should act “forthwith,” explaining the term does not imply immediate action.

“Forthwith was decided upon by US authorities to mean reasonable time, hindi (not) immediately. Forthwith was discussed by the late former senator (Miriam Defensor) Santiago… it does not mean immediately as well, it is to be determined by the circumstances,” he said.

Escudero cited delays in past impeachment cases, including those of former Chief Justice Renato Corona and former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, as precedent for the Senate waiting until session resumes before acting.

Asked if a dialogue between the Senate and House could resolve the matter, he dismissed the suggestion, pointing out that “now that the case has been filed, it would be unfair for me or the Senate or anyone from the Senate to sit only with the House.”

Escudero noted that while the Senate is open to debate, its decisions would be rooted in law, not public pressure.