Manila, Philippines — On Tuesday, the Prosecution Team from the House of Representatives filed a motion asking the Senate of the Philippines to summon Vice President Sara Duterte and answer the impeachment articles filed against her.
Despite the reasons the prosecution cited on their motion, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero remained unfazed, reiterating that the Upper Chamber will not act on anything while the session is on break.
During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Escudero addressed the matter, stating that dismissing the motion is aligned with the rules and regulations set by the congress.
“Kapag may sesyon ang Senado, doon lamang pwede magpresenta sila ng articles of impeachment, at doon lamang din pwedeng i-convene ang impeachment court sa pamamagitan ng pagsusumpa ng mga miyembro ng Senado. That can only be done when Congress is in session. Hindi yan pwede gawin habang recess at klaro ang pagkakaiba ng dalawang ‘yon sa pag-c-conduct ng hearing ng Senado,” he noted.
Escudero highlighted page 2 of the “Entry with Motion to Issue Summons” filed by the House Prosecution, which cited Senate rules and regulations on impeachment processes, to further explain his stand.
He said that the issuance of a summon won’t also be valid if the Senate has not convened as an impeachment court yet.
Hence, he said that this move simply cannot be legally done as the Senate is on break.
Escudero further explained that the forthwith word stated in the legislation should not be an argument in the first place, as this does not necessarily mean that the Senate should convene instantly.
“‘Yang forthwith na ‘yan, hindi pa ba sila nagsasawa dyan? Forthwith was designed upon by US authorities to mean reasonable time hindi immediately. It is to be determined by the circumstances,” he emphasized.
While Escudero has already verbally commented on the matter, he confirmed that the Senate will still respond to the Prosecution’s letter in a formal matter.