Senate impeachment court no longer needed, says Escudero
MANILA—Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero recently expressed his belief that the Senate impeachment court no longer needs to convene following the Supreme Court’s ruling. The high tribunal declared the impeachment case against the Vice President unconstitutional, citing the one-year rule and the importance of due process at every stage.
Escudero emphasized that the Senate impeachment court must respect the Supreme Court’s decision, regardless of personal opinions. “Whether you agree with it or not, it must be followed — otherwise, we risk a constitutional crisis and our neighboring countries and others might see us as a ‘banana republic’ where we only follow what we want,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English during a press briefing.
Senate’s role over impeachment court
While sharing his personal view, Escudero clarified that the Senate’s majority will always determine the final stance. He also believes the Senate itself, not the impeachment court, should decide on this matter.
On June 10, the Senate convened as an impeachment court to review the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, which the House of Representatives transmitted on February 5. As Senate president, Escudero serves as the presiding officer of the impeachment court.
He stated, mostly in Filipino, that it would be safer for the Senate to make the decision rather than the impeachment court. Convening the court after the Supreme Court’s ruling might be perceived as a violation.
When asked if the impeachment court should convene after the Supreme Court’s decision, Escudero answered affirmatively that it is not necessary. “And if the Senate will act on it, the Senate should act on it as a Senate in plenary,” he added.
Upcoming Senate caucus to tackle the issue
Escudero expects this topic to arise during the Senate caucus meeting on Tuesday, where senators will discuss their priority measures. “It’s not on the agenda, but I’m sure it will be tackled because it is impossible not to discuss it. That’s considered what we may call the elephant in the room, so it will most likely come up later,” he said partly in Filipino.
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