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ESCUDERO TAKES OATH AS PRESIDING OFFICER OF SENATE IMPEACHMENT COURT FOR VP SARA TRIAL

admin June 10, 2025

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday night (June 9, 2925) took his oath as the presiding officer of the impeachment court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

This, after Sen. Joel Villanueva made a motion that the impeachment court will be convened on June 11 and senator-judges take their respective oaths at 4 p.m. on June 10.

The oath-taking was administered by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., a symbolic step seen as a prelude to the trial.

Escudero’s oath-taking took place after the Senate minority formally moved for the opening of the impeachment trial, following several delays.

Senator Joel Villanueva made the motion to refer the complaint to the Committee on Rules during the plenary session, following a manifestation from Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urging the chamber to immediately begin trial proceedings as mandated by the Constitution.

Pimentel cited Article XI, Section 3 (4) of the 1987 Constitution, which states that once a verified complaint is endorsed by at least one-third of the House of Representatives, the Senate “shall forthwith proceed” to try the case.

“We are merely following the letter and spirit of the Constitution,” Pimentel said.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also seconded the call.

Duterte’s allies, meanwhile, are drafting a resolution seeking dismissal of the case on grounds of inaction.

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte was transmitted to the Senate on February 5.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte for “high crimes,” including corruption, and alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Ferdinand “Martin” Romualdez.

The presentation of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte was moved to June 11, 2025 instead of June 2.

Escudero said the move was to allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die on June 13.