MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Francis Escudero insists that he is strictly following the Constitution in his decision not to ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a special session to convene the Senate for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Ilegal na mag-convene ako ngayon dahil walang session,” Escudero said, adding that “walang magaganap hangga’t naka-recess, anuman ang sinasabi ninuman, hangga’t walang session at hindi na-convene ang session, walang trial na magaganap. Klaro at maliwanag sa rules namin ‘yun.”

Escudero emphasized that since the impeachment case has already been filed, “may katiyakan na na magkakaroon ng impeachment trial at kailangan ito paghandaan ng Senado.” He said the Senate is currently preparing for the impeachment trial.

Why This Impeachment Trial Is Different from Past Impeachment Trials

Escudero explained why this trial differs from previous impeachment trials heard by the Senate.

“Bakit iba pagtrato ko sa impeachment ni VP Sara Duterte sa pagtrato ko sa mga naunang impeachment (trials)? Noong nag-recess ang Senado, hindi nag-convene nung recess. Tinuloy na noong nakapag-convene na,” he explained.

The Senate President described the situation as providential, stressing that “may sapat na panahon ang Korte Suprema para resolbahin at sagutin ang lahat ng mga isyung ito bago pa man mag-convene ang impeachment court.”

He said this process ensures there will be no hindrances, such as technicalities, on the part of the Senate once the Supreme Court reaches a decision.

No Pressure

When asked if he is being pressured to start the impeachment trial, Escudero firmly denied it.

“May pressure ba sa akin? Wala. Dahil tulad ng sinabi ko sa inyo, unang araw pa lang ng pagkakasampa ng impeachment, sino mang pabor o tutol sa impeachment, hindi matimbang ang opinyon para sa akin. Dahil pantay at parehas naming tatratuhin itong kasong ito nang walang pinapaboran, walang tinititigan, walang tinitingnan,” Escudero stated.

He also urged senators—whether incumbent or running for office—to refrain from commenting on the impeachment trial or prejudging the case.

“Dahil wala ni isa sa amin, walang nakikita pang ebidensiya na laban o pabor kay VP Sara,” he said, adding that “fairness dictates nothing less.”

Special Session Solely for Urgent Legislation

Escudero stressed that he is strictly adhering to the Constitution by not convening the Senate, stating that special sessions are meant solely for urgent legislation.

“Impeachment is totally different from legislation or the passing of laws,” he emphasized, adding that “the Constitution said a special session can be convened in case of a vacancy in the position of president or vice president, which includes the possibility of impeachment.”

“But still, the framers did not say that the Senate can ask for a special session for the purpose of conducting an impeachment trial. That was clearly excluded by the framers of the Constitution, knowing fully well that that situation (is) possible,” Escudero said.

📷 Senate of the Philippines