Manila: Senators on Friday expressed their support to the decision of Senate President Francis Escudero to postpone the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, citing the Senate's constitutional duty to focus on legislation before converting itself into an impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada stated that while the Senate's functions include acting as an impeachment court, its primary mandate is to legislate. Estrada emphasized the importance of crafting, deliberating, and passing laws that promote the general welfare of the people. Escudero's decision to defer the impeachment proceedings aligns with the consensus reached during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, which includes members of the Executive branch, Senate, and House of Representatives.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who attended the LEDAC meeting, supported Escudero's move, highlighting the need to pass at least 12 priority bills before the sine die adjournment of the 19th Congress on June 14. Gatchalian mentioned his involvement in three pending bills in the Committee on Ways and Means, including the Anti-POGO Bill, the Denatured Alcohol Bill, and the bill increasing the tax on vape products, which he aims to get approved before the end of the 19th Congress.
Gatchalian further noted that finalizing the 12 bills during the six remaining session days would require intense focus from the Senate, including bicameral meetings, consultations, and committee hearings. He agreed to devote the next two weeks to finishing the remaining bills and other legislative priorities before the Senate converts into an impeachment court.
Escudero has rescheduled the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment from June 2, 2025, to June 11, to allow Congress to address urgent priority measures before its sine die adjournment. He communicated this decision to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, citing the pending confirmation of over 200 officials by the Commission on Appointments upon the legislature's resumption on June 2.
