Manila: The new senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte are expected to take their oath before the Senate President no earlier than July 29, as the Senate impeachment court continues preparations for a process described as 'transparent, fair, and legally sound,' its spokesperson said Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol informed reporters in a press briefing that 6 of the 11 major steps in the procedural framework-about 55 percent-have been completed. However, he noted that the formal oath-taking of senator-judges cannot proceed without the presence of a presiding officer, who will only be elected after the opening of the 20th Congress on July 28.
Tongol explained that with the adjournment of one Congress and the commencement of another, the Senate President must be elected or re-elected. He emphasized that the senator-judges will have to take their oath before this presiding officer to avoid any potential questions or doubts regarding the oath-taking process.
The newly appointed senator-judges include Erwin Tulfo, Camille Villar, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson, Tito Sotto, and Rodante Marcoleta. Tongol specified that July 28 is generally reserved for the ceremonial opening of Congress, thus making July 29 the earliest feasible date for the swearing-in ceremony.
Tongol highlighted the significance of certification and authorization documents required from the House of Representatives, describing them not as procedural traps but as safeguards to maintain the legality and legitimacy of the trial. He stated that these processes help prevent legal impediments or technicalities that could undermine the impeachment process, emphasizing the importance of preserving the independence and credibility of the court to maintain public trust.
He likened the requirement to practices in corporations, where authority is documented through board resolutions and secretary certificates, and noted that Congress, as a collegial body, is expected to follow similar procedures.
When questioned about the possibility of the House submitting both the certification to proceed and the authorization of the new set of prosecutors simultaneously, Tongol mentioned that the House has the discretion to decide how to comply with these processes efficiently.
