Photo credit: Congress PH

House prosecutor Rep. Joel Chua of Manila is all in on the Senate’s latest move, calling it a major step in the impeachment process. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s issuance of Special Order No. 2025-015 officially gets the ball rolling, marking the transition from the House’s impeachment filing to the Senate’s trial proceedings.

“The Senate’s action reaffirms our commitment to accountability at the highest levels,” Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government, stated. “The House has done its part by transmitting the Articles of Impeachment. Now, it’s up to the Senate to conduct a fair and impartial trial to determine whether Vice President Duterte should be removed from office.”

What This Means for the Impeachment Trial

Under the 1987 Constitution, once the House transmits the Articles of Impeachment, the Senate holds the sole power to conduct the trial. With the special order in place, the Senate now has clear marching orders:
• Issue summons to all parties involved
• Conduct hearings and receive evidence
• Hear witnesses and assess the charges thoroughly

“The Senate must now proceed according to its impeachment rules,” Chua explained. “This means the Vice President will have the opportunity to present her defense, and we, as the prosecution panel, will present our case with solid evidence and witnesses.”

No Room for Delays or Dismissal

With SO No. 2025-015 in effect, Chua emphasized that there’s no ambiguity about the Senate’s role:
• The case cannot be arbitrarily dismissed without a trial
• Any attempts to delay or derail the process must be handled according to the law
• The public deserves a transparent and swift resolution to this case

“The Senate, as the Impeachment Court, has a duty to ensure this trial is not only constitutional but also free from political maneuvering,” Chua said.

A Test of Democracy

Now that the impeachment process is fully underway, Chua expressed confidence that the trial will be conducted with the seriousness and integrity it demands.

“This is bigger than any individual—it’s about protecting the institutions of our democracy,” he stressed. “Filipinos deserve leaders who uphold public trust, and this trial will test our commitment to justice and accountability.”

With the Senate officially organized for the trial, all eyes are now on the next steps. Will this be a swift and decisive process, or will it be drawn out by legal battles? One thing’s for sure—the impeachment trial is officially in motion.