Presentation of Articles of Impeachment Rescheduled
The presentation of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, initially planned for June 2, 2025, has been postponed to June 11, 2025. This adjustment was made to allow the Senate to prioritize key legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die on June 14.
Senate President Francis Escudero emphasized the urgency to address several priority bills during the remaining session days. With only six session days left in the two-week period, the Senate must fast-track important legislation crucial to the government’s agenda and public interest.
Priority Legislative Measures Before Congress Adjourns
In a letter sent to the House Speaker and shared with the Office of the Vice President, Escudero outlined at least twelve critical bills slated for approval before the end of the current Congress. These include amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act, the E-Governance Act, and the Open Access in Data Transmission or Konektadong Pinoy Act.
Other significant measures are the rationalization of the fiscal mining regime, changes to the Universal Health Care Act, establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, and the Government Optimization Act. Also on the list are amendments to the Right-of-Way Act, setting terms for barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan members, judicial fiscal autonomy, denatured alcohol tax, and the Anti-POGO Act targeting Philippine offshore gaming operations.
Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council Meeting Highlights
These bills were discussed during a recent meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, where government leaders including the President reviewed the legislative agenda. Escudero remarked, “With only six session days before the sine die adjournment, it is imperative for the Senate and the House of Representatives to prioritize the passage of these measures, consistent also with the administration’s thrust to align our government with the people’s needs and expectations.”
Additional Senate Priorities: Commission on Appointments
Aside from pending legislation, Escudero pointed out the Commission on Appointments’ responsibility to act on over 200 presidential appointments. These include three cabinet secretaries, four officials from constitutional commissions, 39 foreign service officers, and 277 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Revised Schedule for Impeachment Proceedings
Originally, the House prosecution panel was set to present the articles of impeachment on June 2, followed by the Senate convening as an impeachment court on June 3. However, Escudero’s letter confirmed the new schedule: “The presentation of the Articles of Impeachment by the House of Representatives’ prosecution panel is now set to four o’clock in the afternoon of June 11, 2025.”
This rescheduling ensures the Senate can thoroughly consider pressing legislative matters before turning its attention to the impeachment process.
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