THERE is nothing that can momentarily divide the nation and engender tons of conflicting arguments and narratives than an impeachment complaint filed against the highest officials of the land, the President and the Vice President.
Since last year when talks of impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte started in the House of Representatives, bolstered no doubt by the Quad committee’s inquisition-like hearings about her alleged misfeasance and malfeasance, the people have been engrossed in how this attempt to cut down VP Sara’s political future would end.
The House managed to pass the fourth Articles of Impeachment with more than one-third of its members, thus enabling that chamber to directly send the complaint to the Senate on February 5. Alas, it was already the last day of session, with just two hours left before the recess.
This led us to all the predicaments associated with current status of the impeach-Sara campaign.
`If it comes to a head, it could be another EDSA takeover by one faction of the oligarch from another…’
Senate President Francis Escudero, who heads the body constitutionally mandated to conduct the impeachment trial, has been adamant in his stand that the trial could not begin while Congress is not in session. Other legal experts and former justices, along with minority leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, disagree.
It is opportune for Escudero to clear the air at this time and unveil a timeline on how the Senate would handle the impeachment case, which is very much different from its usual legislative function. He said the timeline emphasizes their adherence to constitutional processes.
In a press conference in Sorsogon, Escudero said that the impeachment trial is unlikely to commence before late July, dismissing speculations of an earlier start.
“The earliest possible trial date would be July 29 or 30, after the Senate resumes (sessions) following President Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on July 28,” he said.
It should be noted that while the impeachment complaint was filed before Congress adjourned on Feb. 5, proceedings cannot begin until lawmakers reconvene on June 2.
The pre-trial process, including summons issuance and pleadings exchange, would likely extend through June 30, coinciding with the end of terms for 12 senators. This was how the Senate president explained the process, and why he expects the 20th Congress to handle the actual trial.
“We must finalize impeachment rules, administer oaths for impeachment judges, and ensure due process is upheld. This is a legal and constitutional process — not a rushed political maneuver,” he said.
As to concerns that a full-blown impeachment trial could destabilize national security, Escudero emphasized that the process is a constitutional check on public officials, and that the Senate and the House of Representatives are simply doing their jobs, ensuring accountability.
Of course, when the trial itself begins, the political and personal supporters of the Vice President are expected to mount big rallies and demonstrations outside the Senate building and in other places to express their support and loyalty to the VP. Pro-Marcos and Romualdez activists meanwhile would counter this with their own mass actions. If it comes to a head, it could be another EDSA takeover by one faction of the oligarch from another, as if we have not learned from the Erap experience in 2001.
So there — the Filipino people will just have to wait for the new Senate to process the Sara Duterte impeachment case.
