According to Senate President Chiz Escudero, there’s no reason to hold a special session.
With regard to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Chiz Escudero sees no need for a special session.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is facing an impeachment complaint from the House of Representatives. There is a looming Senate trial ahead but in her reaction to this, she seemed dismissive and defiant.
VP Duterte reacted to the impeachment raps and quipped, “God save the Philippines,” adding, “Mas masakit pa ang maiwanan ng boyfriend o girlfriend kaysa ma-impeach ka ng House of Representatives.”
Lawmakers slammed the dismissive remarks of the vice president citing that she was taking such serious matters lightly. While she sees the trial as not a big deal at all, those who wanted her impeached told her they would see her in court.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, on the other hand, sees no reason to hold a special session for the impeachment of Duterte. According to the Senate President, there is no legal basis for the Senate and the House of Representatives to gather together right away for this matter.
Congress is currently on a session break.
He cited that under the law, the president, the speaker, and the senate president are the ones allowed to call for a special session. He shared this during a radio interview. Escudero added several settings that could automatically convene the Senate and the House and that included martial declaration; if the majority of the cabinet sees that the president is unable to deliver his or her responsibilities; if the president and vice president are removed from their position or; if the VP replaces the president.
As per the Constitution, special sessions are only called for important legislative exercise.
“Upon agreement of the Speaker and the Senate President para magpasa ng mahahalagang panukalang batas… hindi binanggit ng saligang batas ang pagkakaroon ng impeachment trial,” he said.
Escudero assured that Duterte’s impeachment trial will be handled in accordance with due process. The proceeding will not be rushed. What they are there for is not to convict or acquit her but to seek justice.
“Itinalaga ang proseso na ito para papanagutin ang ating opisyal. Marapat ay simulan na ito, nang ito ay matapos. Matapos nang hindi minamadali,” he said.
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