Senate impeachment court reconvening depends on House compliance
MANILA, Philippines — The reconvening of the Senate impeachment court in the 20th Congress now depends on the House prosecution panel’s adherence to certification orders, according to a spokesperson for the impeachment court.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the impeachment court spokesperson emphasized that the court’s ability to reconvene is “hinged” on the House of Representatives’ compliance with specific certification requests.
Certification requests key to Senate impeachment court reconvening
“If you look at the impeachment court’s June 10 order, the reconvening is conditional upon the House of Representatives complying with the second order,” the spokesperson explained.
On June 10, the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, returned the articles of impeachment to the lower chamber. It also requested the House to certify that it had not violated the 1987 Constitution by initiating more than one impeachment complaint within a single year.
Additionally, the court sought confirmation from the House on whether the 20th Congress is prepared to pursue the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
While the House has already submitted the first required certification, it has yet to provide the second certification, which specifically addresses its readiness to pursue the impeachment trial in the current Congress.
Senate awaits House communication to proceed
The impeachment court spokesperson noted that Senate President and Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero previously clarified that the court cannot meet unless the House sends the necessary communication.
“That’s why the impeachment court is waiting for the House to comply as a condition. That’s the importance of the second order,” the spokesperson added.
Despite this clear condition, the spokesperson declined to speculate on the consequences if the House prosecution panel fails to comply with the second order.
“That depends on the move of both parties — they are free to file whatever motion they want to file with the impeachment court and let the impeachment court decide on the matter,” the spokesperson said.
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