Senate Reschedules Presentation of Articles of Impeachment
The House prosecution team involved in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has been notified of a sudden change in the schedule for presenting the articles of impeachment. This adjustment shifts the initial date from June 2 to June 11, according to reliable sources familiar with the matter.
Lawyer Princess Abante, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, confirmed the development in a brief statement late Thursday, May 29. She said, “Natanggap na ng Kamara de Representantes ang opisyal na liham ni Senate President Francis Escudero na ipinadala kay Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, hinggil sa paglipat ng iskedyul ng presentasyon ng House prosecution panel kaugnay ng Articles of Impeachment laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte, mula Hunyo 2 sa bagong itinakdang petsa na Hunyo 11.”
This means the House of Representatives has officially received a letter from the Senate President concerning the rescheduling of the House prosecution panel’s presentation on the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte. The letter was addressed to the Speaker of the House, and the new date is now set for June 11. “Ipinasa na ito sa House prosecution panel para sa kanilang nararapat na pag-aksyon,” she added, noting that the matter has been forwarded to the prosecution team for necessary action.
Reasons Behind the Change in Schedule
According to informed sources, the Senate decided to adjust the schedule to prioritize the deliberation of key legislative bills currently under consideration. This move is intended to give precedence to priority measures in the upper chamber, ensuring that important legislation is addressed before the impeachment proceedings begin.
This announcement came shortly after the eighth meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) held at Malacañang Palace. The gathering involved officials from both the House and Senate, as well as President Marcos. During the meeting, House Speaker Martin Romualdez reported that the House has nearly completed its review and action on LEDAC measures.
Context of the Impeachment Trial and Legislative Calendar
June 2 was initially slated as the first session day for both House members and senators after the extended recess for the 2025 midterm elections. However, with the rescheduling, the presentation of the articles of impeachment against the Vice President will now take place on June 11. The 19th Congress is expected to adjourn sine die on June 13, marking the end of its session.
This development signals a tight timeline for the impeachment trial, as the Senate will have limited time to conduct proceedings before the adjournment. The House prosecution panel is now preparing to comply with the revised schedule, coordinating closely with the Senate to ensure a smooth process.
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