Senators Push Early Convening Impeachment Court After Sona
MANILA — Several senators are advocating for the early convening impeachment court just a week following President Bongbong Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona). This move aims to begin the high-profile trial without delay.
Senator Joel Villanueva shared at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum that informal talks within the Senate favor starting the impeachment court by August 4. “Some of the senator-judges are leaning toward having our newly elected senator-judges take their oaths and at the same time convene the impeachment court,” he said. “It looks like we’ll just need a week to organize the Senate — committees, etc. Same goes for the House. Then the following week, we can convene the impeachment court and allow the defense and prosecution to present their cases.”
He added, “If the Sona is on [July] 28, we’re looking at the week after — August 4.” Villanueva emphasized that no final decision has been made yet regarding this proposal.
Proposed Schedule and Senate Preparations
The suggested timeline from Senate President Chiz Escudero indicates that the new senator-judges are set to take their oaths on July 29, with the impeachment trial beginning the next day, July 30. Escudero expressed hope that the Senate will follow this schedule closely.
He also stressed that both prosecution and defense will have sufficient time to prepare, and the chamber will not tolerate any delay tactics. “All senators have been informed of the proposed timeline,” Escudero noted, adding that he sent letters detailing his plans to each member.
With the early convening impeachment court plan, the Senate aims to efficiently manage its duties while ensuring a fair and prompt hearing. This development signals a serious approach to the impeachment process, reflecting the chamber’s readiness to uphold justice without unnecessary delays.
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