Senate President Francis «Chiz» Escudero suggested starting the impeachment process against Vice-President Sara Duterte on July 30, emphasizing the necessity to follow legal procedures to avoid further delays. His statement was made in response to remarks by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who expressed concern that the senators of the 19th Congress might not fulfill their obligations if the 20th Congress takes on the impeachment process.
"We adhere to the law and the Constitution," explained Escudero. "Non-compliance with legal procedures will only lead to additional delays and provide an opportunity for any side to derail the process." In a letter dated February 24, Escudero outlined his arguments in favor of starting the impeachment during the Congress session, referring to legal precedents and the interpretation of the term "immediate" in relation to impeachment matters in accordance with the 1987 Constitution.
Escudero emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the Senate in conducting impeachment processes with diligence and readiness, supporting the position of co-senator Miriam Defensor Santiago at the time of President Joseph Estrada's impeachment. He emphasized that the phrase "continue immediately" should be understood in conjunction with the requirements of the Constitution to establish rules for impeachment.
The impeachment case against Duterte had more than 200 supporting lawmakers. The articles of impeachment were submitted to the Senate on the same day, but the Senate halted its activities without taking further measures. Escudero proposed that the impeachment process could start tentatively on July 30.
