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Escudero On VP Duterte Impeachment Case: 'The Senate Won't Rush This'
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senate President Francis Escudero made it clear—the Senate will not be rushed into acting on the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, which were recently transmitted by the House of Representatives.
Speaking to reporters, Escudero explained the process in detail, emphasizing that the Senate has its own rules to follow when handling impeachment cases.
Step by Step, Not Rushed
“Isa-isahin muna natin,” Escudero said. “According to Senate rules, kapag may inihaing articles of impeachment, the Senate President shall take proper order of the subject of impeachment.”
He then clarified a crucial point: “It’s not about the impeachment complaint itself, but rather the subject of impeachment. Ang ibig sabihin noon, kailangan munang isaayos ng Senate President ang Senado bago mag-conduct ng hearing or trial.”
Escudero also took a swipe at a lawyer who claimed that the Senate should “immediately” begin the trial as per the Constitution.
“Ah, busina lang ng konti,” he quipped. “Pero parang hindi niya nabasa yung Saligang Batas. Walang sinabing immediately ang Konstitusyon. Ang sinabi ng Saligang Batas ay ‘shall forthwith proceed with trial.’”
Past Impeachment Cases Took Time
To drive home his point, Escudero recalled previous impeachment proceedings that didn’t happen overnight.
• Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez (2011): The impeachment complaint was filed on March 23. The Senate adjourned on March 26 and did not act on it immediately. The trial began in May—almost two months later.
• Chief Justice Renato Corona (2011-2012): The complaint was filed on December 13, but the trial only started on January 16—over a month later.
These timelines, according to Escudero, show that “forthwith” doesn’t mean the Senate has to act the very next day.
Why Should the Senate Be Rushed?
Escudero also pointed out an important timeline regarding the House’s handling of the complaint.
“Mahigit dalawang buwan inupuan, pinag-aralan, binasa, at tinignan ng Kamara ang impeachment complaint. Mahigit dalawang buwan, hindi finorward ng Secretary General sa Tanggapan ng Speaker para i-refer sa plenary at Committee on Justice,” he noted.
“So bakit naman kami sasabihan bigla na gumalaw na at umakto agad sa loob lamang ng ilang oras?”
Bottom Line: The Senate Will Take Its Time
Escudero made it clear—the Senate will not rush into action just because some people demand it. Following due process is the priority, and as history shows, impeachment cases take time to move forward.
For now, it looks like the Senate will deliberate on its next steps carefully—without being pressured into immediate action.
Speaking to reporters, Escudero explained the process in detail, emphasizing that the Senate has its own rules to follow when handling impeachment cases.
Step by Step, Not Rushed
“Isa-isahin muna natin,” Escudero said. “According to Senate rules, kapag may inihaing articles of impeachment, the Senate President shall take proper order of the subject of impeachment.”
He then clarified a crucial point: “It’s not about the impeachment complaint itself, but rather the subject of impeachment. Ang ibig sabihin noon, kailangan munang isaayos ng Senate President ang Senado bago mag-conduct ng hearing or trial.”
Escudero also took a swipe at a lawyer who claimed that the Senate should “immediately” begin the trial as per the Constitution.
“Ah, busina lang ng konti,” he quipped. “Pero parang hindi niya nabasa yung Saligang Batas. Walang sinabing immediately ang Konstitusyon. Ang sinabi ng Saligang Batas ay ‘shall forthwith proceed with trial.’”
Past Impeachment Cases Took Time
To drive home his point, Escudero recalled previous impeachment proceedings that didn’t happen overnight.
• Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez (2011): The impeachment complaint was filed on March 23. The Senate adjourned on March 26 and did not act on it immediately. The trial began in May—almost two months later.
• Chief Justice Renato Corona (2011-2012): The complaint was filed on December 13, but the trial only started on January 16—over a month later.
These timelines, according to Escudero, show that “forthwith” doesn’t mean the Senate has to act the very next day.
Why Should the Senate Be Rushed?
Escudero also pointed out an important timeline regarding the House’s handling of the complaint.
“Mahigit dalawang buwan inupuan, pinag-aralan, binasa, at tinignan ng Kamara ang impeachment complaint. Mahigit dalawang buwan, hindi finorward ng Secretary General sa Tanggapan ng Speaker para i-refer sa plenary at Committee on Justice,” he noted.
“So bakit naman kami sasabihan bigla na gumalaw na at umakto agad sa loob lamang ng ilang oras?”
Bottom Line: The Senate Will Take Its Time
Escudero made it clear—the Senate will not rush into action just because some people demand it. Following due process is the priority, and as history shows, impeachment cases take time to move forward.
For now, it looks like the Senate will deliberate on its next steps carefully—without being pressured into immediate action.
Feb 6, 2025
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