Manila: The House of Representatives will respect the Senate's decision on when to convene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a lawmaker stated Thursday. "We will respect the institution of the Senate, how they will interpret 'forthwith,' gaano kaaga nila aktuhan ito (how soon they will act on this), we will respect that," Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor said in a press conference.
According to Philippines News Agency, Defensor emphasized the importance of proceeding with the trial, describing it as a unique opportunity for all involved parties, especially the Vice President. He noted that the impeachment process is sui generis, or a "class of its own," which separates it from the regular legislative process. Consequently, he stated that the Senate "can convene anytime that they are ready without waiting for session to open on June 2."
However, Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that the trial would not commence until the Senate resumes its session in June. During the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Escudero cited Senate rules, explaining that an impeachment can only be convened in a plenary session and that "the Senate President shall take proper order of the subject of impeachment."
The House recently impeached Duterte and quickly transmitted the complaint to the Senate, with over 200 lawmakers backing the move. Secretary General Reginald Velasco reported that at least 215 House members had verified and sworn in support of the impeachment complaint, marking it the fourth one filed against Duterte since December.
Congress has adjourned its sessions for the election campaign and will resume from June 2 to June 13. Defensor explained that the legislative calendar had concluded, affecting the legislative power of both the House and the Senate. Nonetheless, he pointed out that the impeachment process, as a separate constitutional function, could extend into the next Congress if needed.
On the issue of retaining prosecutors assigned by the House in the next Congress, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, another designated prosecutor, stated that it would depend on Senate rules. He highlighted that the Senate is a continuing body, unlike the House of Representatives, and suggested that a new set of prosecutors might be elected if the composition changes in the 20th Congress. Gutierrez assured that this would not stop the process.
Defensor added that the matter would also rely on impeachment court rules. If a House member does not continue into the next Congress, the possibility of serving as a private prosecutor would depend on the Senate's rules on impeachment. The House has appointed 11 members to serve as prosecutors in the impeachment trial.
