Senate Officially Convenes Impeachment Court
The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Tuesday, June 10, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing political process. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero led the session, swearing in the senators as impeachment court members. This official convening came after a series of procedural developments earlier that day.
Earlier, Senate President Escudero suspended the plenary session following a privilege speech by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. In his speech, Dela Rosa urged the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against the subject of the hearing. Subsequently, Escudero ruled that Dela Rosa’s privilege speech and all related motions concerning the impeachment complaint would be addressed by the Senate members acting as senator-judges within the impeachment court framework.
Senators Don Impeachment Robes with Reservations
Most senators wore their impeachment robes, symbolizing their roles as judges in the proceedings. However, Senators Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, and Robinhood “Robin” Padilla opted out of wearing the robes. Marcos took her oath but did so ad cautelam, a Latin phrase meaning “for caution” or “for more abundant caution.” She stated, “I make this oath ad cautelam without prejudice to the resolution of the jurisdictional issue as well as issues pertaining to the validity of the impeachment complaint or to the filing thereof if any.”
Padilla also participated in the oath-taking but expressed reservations about his involvement. Villar did not take the oath nor wear the robe, signaling her stance on the proceedings.
Senate Leadership Responds to Calls for Immediate Action
Initially, Senate President Escudero scheduled the impeachment court’s formal convening for Wednesday, June 11. However, he later agreed to a motion by Senator Joel Villanueva to convene immediately as an impeachment court following Dela Rosa’s privilege speech. Villanueva acknowledged pressure from the Senate Minority bloc, led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who pushed for swift action.
The Senate Minority emphasized the Upper Chamber’s constitutional duty to promptly address the impeachment complaint, a view that influenced Escudero’s decision to move the schedule forward. This development underscores the high stakes and urgency surrounding the impeachment process.
Implications of the Senate Impeachment Court Convening
The official convening of the Senate as an impeachment court sets the stage for a thorough examination of the complaint. Senators will now deliberate motions and speeches directly related to the impeachment, exercising their constitutional roles with heightened scrutiny.
This process is crucial as it tests the Senate’s commitment to transparency and due process amid political pressures. The varying stances of senators, from full participation to cautious reservations, highlight the complex dynamics at play.
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