Escudero: Impeachment hinges on constitutional process, not politics

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

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday defended the handling of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that any move to convene as an impeachment court must strictly follow constitutional and procedural rules, not political pressure.

Escudero addressed growing calls from civil society, law schools and fellow lawmakers urging the Senate to act on the articles of impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives in February.

He reiterated that while he plans to convene the Senate as an impeachment court on June 11, all actions must proceed through motions and plenary votes per Senate rules.

“Everything is done by motion, by objection and by vote. That is how the Senate operates — not through social media noise or political statements,” Escudero said.

He clarified that the June 11 schedule for convening the impeachment court remains in place and without objection.

He stressed that the act of convening, including administering oaths and issuing summons, is a procedural duty triggered once the articles are formally presented on the floor.

“Reading of Articles of Impeachment will trigger the convening of the impeachment court. I will take my oath as presiding officer, and then administer the oath to all senator-judges. That process alone doesn’t require a majority vote, unless a senator objects, in which case the plenary will decide,” he said.

Responding to criticisms over the perceived delay, Escudero pointed to precedent cases.

He noted that in previous impeachment cases against former president Joseph Estrada, the late Chief Justice Renato Corona and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, the Senate did not proceed “forthwith” upon receipt, yet no constitutional crisis was declared.

“Wala naman nagreklamo noon (No one complained before),” he said, adding that the same constitutional provision applies today.

“If we rushed the process just to meet public expectations, we could risk violating due process, which might be raised before the Supreme Court,” Escudero added.

Escudero also denied that the Senate intends to arbitrarily dismiss the case, stating there is no filed resolution to that effect.

“There is no pending petition, no filed resolution. I will not speculate. But any resolution filed will undergo proper procedure — referral to the Committee on Rules, reporting out, and plenary debate,” he said.

While minority senators plan to file a motion to commence the opening rites today, Escudero emphasized that the Senate must vote on such motions, even if procedural.

“Even the convening itself is subject to process. That’s not to delay, but to ensure transparency and respect for all opinions in the chamber,” he said.

He stressed that the 19th Congress cannot bind the decisions of the 20th Congress, which resumes July 28.

The impeachment process, if not concluded, may carry over but must be reaffirmed by the next legislature.

“My personal position is that the case can carry over. But that decision belongs to the next Senate and House. This is not a race. Our objective should be to uncover the truth, not to finish quickly,” he said.