Manila: Senators Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson and Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan have called for transparency and urgency in the Senate's handling of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte amid discussions to delay the convening of the impeachment court to August 4.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson stated that the proposal to postpone the proceedings must be thoroughly discussed in the Senate plenary and justified before any decision is made. He emphasized the importance of a democratic process where the majority decision of the 24 senators is respected, but not without allowing senators to manifest or explain their votes.

Lacson, as a senator-judge, stressed his constitutional responsibility to engage in discussions on significant issues related to the impeachment proceedings. He noted the necessity of participating in deliberations to make informed decisions.

Pangilinan echoed the sentiment for urgency, asserting that the impeachment court must proceed without delay in accordance with the Constitution. He stated that any proposed resetting of the trial requires clarification, emphasizing that the Constitution mandates the trial should proceed immediately upon receipt of the complaint.

Their statements were in response to Senator Joel Villanueva's disclosure that discussions are ongoing among senators to convene the impeachment court on August 4, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address on July 28. Villanueva explained that the proposed date aims to provide both the Senate and the House of Representatives time to organize their leadership and committees at the start of the 20th Congress.

Villanueva clarified that the proposal is still unofficial and remains under informal discussion. He noted that the Senate impeachment court would await certification from the House indicating its intention to pursue the complaint, as required by a previous Senate directive.

Furthermore, the Senate has filed its compliance with the Supreme Court's July 8 resolution, which seeks updates on the status of the impeachment complaint, as stated by impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol.