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Supreme Court Gives Congress 10 Days To Respond To VP Sara's Petition Against Impeachment
FILE
The Supreme Court has given the House of Representatives, its Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and the Senate 10 days to respond to Vice President Sara Duterte’s petition seeking to nullify the fourth impeachment complaint filed against her.
In her petition for certiorari and prohibition, VP Sara argues that the latest impeachment attempt violates Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution, which states that an official can only face impeachment proceedings once per year.
Senate’s Timeline for the Impeachment Trial
Senate President Francis Escudero laid out the expected timeline for the trial, clarifying that it won’t begin until late July. During a press conference in Sorsogon, he said the earliest possible trial date would be July 29 or 30, after Congress resumes sessions following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
He explained that even though the impeachment complaint was filed before Congress adjourned on February 5, proceedings can’t start until lawmakers return on June 2. The pre-trial process—including issuing summons and exchanging pleadings—could stretch until June 30, when the terms of 12 senators end. This means the bulk of the trial will likely be handled by the incoming 20th Congress.
"This is Due Process, Not a Political Maneuver"
Escudero stressed that the process will be carried out according to legal and constitutional guidelines. "We must finalize impeachment rules, administer oaths for impeachment judges, and ensure due process is upheld. This is a legal and constitutional process—not a rushed political maneuver," he said.
He also downplayed concerns that the impeachment case could destabilize national security, emphasizing that it is a constitutional mechanism to hold public officials accountable.
“If she’s innocent, she has nothing to fear. The Senate and House of Representatives are simply doing their jobs,” Escudero added.
As for allegations of foreign influence—particularly from the United States—being behind the impeachment, Escudero dismissed them, saying there’s no credible evidence to support such claims.
Now, all eyes are on the House and Senate’s response to VP Sara’s petition and how this impeachment drama will unfold in the coming months.
In her petition for certiorari and prohibition, VP Sara argues that the latest impeachment attempt violates Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution, which states that an official can only face impeachment proceedings once per year.
Senate’s Timeline for the Impeachment Trial
Senate President Francis Escudero laid out the expected timeline for the trial, clarifying that it won’t begin until late July. During a press conference in Sorsogon, he said the earliest possible trial date would be July 29 or 30, after Congress resumes sessions following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
He explained that even though the impeachment complaint was filed before Congress adjourned on February 5, proceedings can’t start until lawmakers return on June 2. The pre-trial process—including issuing summons and exchanging pleadings—could stretch until June 30, when the terms of 12 senators end. This means the bulk of the trial will likely be handled by the incoming 20th Congress.
"This is Due Process, Not a Political Maneuver"
Escudero stressed that the process will be carried out according to legal and constitutional guidelines. "We must finalize impeachment rules, administer oaths for impeachment judges, and ensure due process is upheld. This is a legal and constitutional process—not a rushed political maneuver," he said.
He also downplayed concerns that the impeachment case could destabilize national security, emphasizing that it is a constitutional mechanism to hold public officials accountable.
“If she’s innocent, she has nothing to fear. The Senate and House of Representatives are simply doing their jobs,” Escudero added.
As for allegations of foreign influence—particularly from the United States—being behind the impeachment, Escudero dismissed them, saying there’s no credible evidence to support such claims.
Now, all eyes are on the House and Senate’s response to VP Sara’s petition and how this impeachment drama will unfold in the coming months.
Feb 26, 2025
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