Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero has rescheduled the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to June 11 from the initially planned date of June 2. This change aims to provide Congress with the necessary time to address urgent priority measures before its sine die adjournment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the presentation of the impeachment articles is essential for convening the Senate as an impeachment court. The transmission of these articles is now set for June 11 at 4 p.m. Escudero communicated this decision to House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez through a letter, following discussions during a meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) held earlier in the day.
The Council has highlighted 12 priority bills for lawmakers to consider and pass within the final six session days of the 19th Congress. These legislative measures include amendments to the Foreign Investors' Long-Term Lease Act, the E-Governance Act, the Open Access in Data Transmission (Konektadong Pinoy Act), and the Rationalization of the Fiscal Mining Regime. Other measures include amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, the establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, the Government Optimization Act, amendments to the Right-of-Way Act, and the Fixed Term of Office for Barangay and SK Officials. Additionally, the Judicial Fiscal Autonomy, Denatured Alcohol Tax, and Anti-POGO Act are also on the priority list.
Escudero emphasized the importance of prioritizing these legislative measures, aligning with the administration's goals to meet the needs and expectations of the people. He also noted the pending confirmation of more than 200 presidential appointments, which include three Cabinet secretaries, four constitutional commission officials, 39 foreign service officers, and 277 Armed Forces of the Philippines officers. These appointments are set to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments upon the legislature's resumption on June 2.
A copy of Escudero's letter was also sent to Vice President Duterte.
