Contrary to his previous pronouncements that the impeachment court will convene on June 2, Senate President Chiz Escudero on Monday announced that the impeachment trials against Vice President Sara Duterte will be moved to a later date.
In a press conference Escudero said the impeachment court will convene after the July 21 State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Most likely when the new Congress already enters into its functions — that means after Sona. Sona I think is on July 21. So [the] trial will commence after that day,” Escudero told reporters.
Prior to this, Representative Joel Chua one of the 11 impeachment prosecutors said the senate should immediately begin the impeachment proceedings.
“Hindi naman po sa minamadali namin sila pero ito kasi nakasaad sa Saligang Batas Dapat po pag tinurn over na o dinala na sa senado, dapat the senate shall forthwith, the fact na ang ginamit ay SHALL ibig sabihin mandatory, sa lalong madaling panahon,” Chua said.
Escudero denied allegations that the senate has been delaying the impeachment trials saying it was the House that sat on the impeachment complaint for over two months.
The senate president said they cannot proceed with the trials during their break as the impeachment court should be convened during their sessions.
(Chiz Escudero photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.