Senate Sets June 11 for Impeachment Reading Amid Uncertainty
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified on June 2 that the reading of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte is scheduled for June 11. However, he emphasized that it remains the decision of the Senate in plenary whether the Upper Chamber will formally convene as an impeachment court. The four-word keyphrase “reading of the Articles” appears early to highlight this crucial procedural step.
Escudero explained during a press briefing that he initially set June 11 for the reading of the Articles of Impeachment following Senate rules. These give the Senate President authority to schedule such events. Still, he stressed the plenary’s final say, as senators may vote to uphold, change, or reject that date. “In the natural course, yes, ‘yon ang dapat mangyari,” he said when asked if he personally believes the Senate should convene as an impeachment court. “Unless, as I have said, may mag-motion, may mag-object, mag-botohan. In the end, plenary will decide.”
Presidential Influence and Senate Independence
Despite previous statements from President Marcos expressing disinterest in pursuing Duterte’s impeachment, Escudero assured the Senate acts independently. “Walang sinabi ang Pangulo o utos ang Pangulo kaugnay d’yan,” he noted. The Senate’s calendar was set based on legislative priorities discussed during the LEDAC meeting, not presidential directives.
Escudero reiterated that no single senator—not even himself as Senate President—can control the impeachment process. He cited past cases involving former President Joseph Estrada and Chief Justice Renato Corona, where the Senate adjusted timelines through collective decisions. “The plenary of the Senate is the supreme body… it gets to decide anything and everything,” he said.
June 11 Date: Set but Flexible
While June 11 is the planned date for the formal reading, Escudero emphasized it is not “nakataga sa bato.” He explained, “Nakataga siya sa bato in the sense na ‘yun na ‘yong panahon na darating ang mga miyembro ng Kamara dito,” referring to the last session day of the 19th Congress. However, he acknowledged that if the plenary votes not to convene, the impeachment court might not push through on that date.
Still, Escudero doubts such a vote will succeed unless senators find a strong reason to delay. He acknowledged that motions to postpone remain possible, underscoring the Senate’s procedural flexibility.
Potential Carry-Over to Next Congress
The impeachment case’s continuation into the 20th Congress is uncertain. If the Senate fails to convene as an impeachment court before adjournment, a new complaint might need re-filing under the next Congress. This introduces complex political dynamics since the case may not automatically carry over.
With only days left before the Senate adjourns, all eyes are on June 11. The Senate’s majority will decide whether to proceed, unaffected by external pressures or political endorsements. Escudero reaffirmed that the process follows institutional rules and past precedents, respecting the will of the plenary.
“We will decide all of these things in accordance with what the plenary wants and in accordance with our rules,” he concluded.
For more news and updates on Senate impeachment proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.