27-2-2025 (MANILA) Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has unveiled a comprehensive timetable for the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, proposing 30th July as the tentative commencement date for the trial.
Detailed Parliamentary Schedule Emerges
The Senate President has circulated a detailed procedural calendar to his senatorial colleagues, Vice President Duterte, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez through correspondence dated 24th February. This document outlines a measured progression of impeachment proceedings spanning several months:
The process begins on 2nd June with the formal presentation of Articles of Impeachment by prosecutors and approval of revised procedural rules, followed by the convening of the Impeachment Court and oath-taking of senator-judges the following day. After issuance of summons on 4th June, the court will receive pleadings between 14th and 24th June, before conducting pre-trial proceedings from 24th June through 25th July.
Following the 20th Congress inaugural session and Presidential State of the Nation Address on 28th July, newly elected senator-judges will take their oaths on 29th July, with the substantive trial scheduled to commence on 30th July, operating daily from 9am until 2pm.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Escudero emphasised the provisional nature of this timeline, noting it remains subject to senatorial deliberation when parliamentary sessions resume in June.
“This is not carved in stone. This is not what will actually happen,” Escudero clarified. “While Congress is in recess, this is meant to give them an idea, assess, and come to a majority decision regarding the matter.”
In the spirit of transparency, the Senate President confirmed he had furnished both Vice President Duterte and Speaker Romualdez with copies of his correspondence for their reference.
Beyond the proposed calendar, Escudero’s communication to fellow senators includes a comprehensive legal analysis drawing upon jurisprudence and precedents to support his interpretation of constitutional requirements. He particularly addresses the meaning of “forthwith” within the 1987 Constitution regarding impeachment proceedings, reinforcing his position that such trials should occur during regular congressional sessions rather than special sittings.
“This is an extraordinary duty that should be approached with all due caution and prudence, not to mention adequate preparation,” Escudero wrote.
The Senate President has proposed several significant amendments to existing procedural rules, including authorising the Senate President to issue summons and preside over pre-trial proceedings, incorporating provisions from the Revised Rules of Court, and establishing clear guidance for scenarios where trials extend beyond congressional adjournment periods.
These proposed amendments will be circulated to senators by 31st March to facilitate approval when sessions resume on 2nd June.
Escudero has initiated extensive practical preparations for the high-profile proceedings, including:
- Review and potential amendment of impeachment trial procedures
- Reconfiguration of the Senate chamber to accommodate the impeachment court
- Enhanced security protocols and designated areas for prosecution, defence, media, and observers
- Technical infrastructure improvements ensuring uninterrupted proceedings
- Procurement of necessary equipment, including judicial robes
- Engagement of external legal expertise
- Implementation of a digital filing system for court documents
The House of Representatives impeached Vice President Duterte on 5th February with over 200 lawmakers supporting the complaint. While the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate that same day, the upper chamber adjourned without addressing the matter.
Vice President Duterte has since petitioned the Supreme Court challenging the complaint’s validity, while various legal groups from Mindanao have filed motions seeking to halt the trial on procedural grounds. Conversely, lawyer Catalino Generillo Jr. has petitioned the Supreme Court to compel immediate Senate action on the impeachment.
