By Politiko staff
The Senate is preparing for the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings possibly beginning this May and a full-blown trial in June.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said that the chamber could convene as an impeachment court in May, with a full-blown trial starting in June.
This timeline depends on whether the House of Representatives approves the impeachment complaint when it resumes session on May 4.
The Vice President faces several accusations, including the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and making assassinatoin threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and former speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lacson said the current Senate leadership, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, intends to fulfill its constitutional duty “forthwith,” which they interpret as “immediately”.
This marks a shift from last year’s leadership under then senate president Francis Escudero, who reportedly “dilly-dallied” convening the court before the case was ultimately junked by the Supreme Court on a technicality.
If the House approves the complaint in plenary and transmits it by May 11, the Senate could convene as an impeachment court between May 12 and 14.
“Once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to us, if we follow the processes, we’re talking of at least three weeks before the actual trial starts,” Lacson said.
While the court may convene quickly, the actual trial will not start until after a preliminary conference or pre-trial is held to organize evidence.
Lacson noted that this step is crucial to avoid the confusion caused by “surprise witnesses,” a problem he observed during the 2012 impeachment trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Lacson clarified that the Senate can continue the trial even during the legislative break from June 6 to July 26, as impeachment duties are separate from regular lawmaking.
Despite pending petitions at the Supreme Court to stop the process, Lacson said the trial will proceed unless a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is issued.
He stressed that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is a constitutional body co-equal to the Supreme Court.
“The impeachment court’s decision cannot be appealed even before the Supreme Court. It is final,” Lacson said.
Lacson reminded his fellow senators to act as impartial judges and avoid showing bias toward the prosecution or the defense.
He even joked that while he is not a lawyer, his past experience as a police officer, witness, and even a former accused has prepared him for the courtroom environment.
Financially, the Senate remains ready for the trial.
Lacson confirmed that P27 million remains available from last year’s budget for impeachment expenses.
So far, only about P512,000 has been spent on senator-judges’ robes and identification cards.—Politiko.com.ph
