Senate President Urges Caution Ahead of Impeachment Trial
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has renewed his call for all sitting and incoming senators to refrain from taking firm stances on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. He emphasized the importance of withholding judgments until the trial officially begins and evidence is presented.
During a recent Senate briefing, Escudero addressed questions about candidates endorsed by Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2025 senatorial elections. “Inendorso sila ni VP Sara pero hindi galing sa kanila. So patuloy ang aking magiging panawagan sa lahat ng nakaupo at marahil papasok din na senador—presumptive senators ika nga,” he said.
He advised, “Ayon sa rules sana iwasan nila na magbigay ng categorical na posisyon o sagot kaugnay nito hanggat hindi pa nagsisimula ang trial at wala pa silang nakikitang mga ebidensya pabor o kontra sa nasasakdal na si VP Sara.” This translates to a reminder that senators should avoid giving definitive opinions until the impeachment trial commences and evidence is reviewed.
Historical Political Shifts Highlight Need for Neutrality
Escudero pointed out that political endorsements do not always guarantee loyalty in the Philippines. He noted that candidates endorsed by the Vice President might change their positions once in office. “Nakita niyo naman sa social media na nagbago bago ng posisyon ang mga in-endorse dati, kinakalaban na nila ngayon ang nag endorse sa kanila dati,” he remarked, highlighting the fluid nature of political alliances.
He added, “To each his own. Nagbabago yan sa kada sitwasyon at sa kada tao,” underscoring that each senator’s stance may evolve based on circumstances.
Preparations for the Impeachment Trial Are Underway
The impeachment court is set to convene when the Senate resumes session on June 2. The 12 newly elected senators will join the 12 incumbent senators as senator-judges overseeing Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Senate officials have already made thorough arrangements to facilitate the impeachment process. “Mas mataas ang lebel ng kahandaan ng Senado, pati ‘yong invitations, ‘yung ID, ‘yung security preparations, ‘yung holding areas ng prosecution, ng defense panel nakahanda na rin hanggang sa detalye ng parking-an nila, hinanda na rin namin at handa na rin kami,” Escudero confirmed. This means the Senate has prepared everything from invitations and security to designated areas for both prosecution and defense teams, including parking spaces.
A dry run of the impeachment proceedings will follow after the Senate adjourns sine die on June 13. Additionally, the distinctive crimson red robes for the senator-judges have been unveiled to the media in advance of the trial.
For more updates on impeachment trial positions, visit Filipinokami.com.
