Manila: There is no way the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will be finished under the 19th Congress, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday. In an interview with Palace reporters at Malaca±an, Marcos stated that it would not be surprising if the impeachment case would continue in the 20th Congress, should the 19th Congress fail to conclude the proceedings.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized his stance of non-intervention in the impeachment process. He expressed his belief that Senate President Francis Escudero seeks a smooth transition of the trial from the 19th Congress to the 20th Congress. 'Well, this is really a function of the Senate right now. So, we leave it to them. It has moved already from the House. It has now been in the Senate for a few months,' Marcos remarked.

On Monday evening, the Senate referred the impeachment complaint against Duterte to its Committee on Rules, formally initiating proceedings that could lead to the convening of an impeachment court. This action followed Escudero's oath-taking as presiding officer of the impeachment court, a symbolic gesture seen as a prelude to the trial.

The Senate is expected to take further action when it resumes session on June 11. Congress is scheduled to adjourn sine die on June 30.