Philippine Senate President Francis Escudero clarified the timeline and issues related to the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte during a press conference in Sorsogon. He emphasized that the Senate will strictly follow constitutional procedures and will not expedite or delay the trial.
In response to public interest in the progress of the impeachment case, Escudero clarified that the trial is unlikely to start before the end of July, refuting speculations about an early commencement.
"The earliest possible trial date could be July 29 or 30, which is after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, when the Senate resumes session," he stated.
He further explained that although the House of Representatives received the impeachment complaint before the congressional recess on February 5, the formal trial procedures would not begin until Congress reconvenes on June 2. Preliminary legal processes, including issuing subpoenas and exchanging complaints, could continue until June 30, by which time 12 senators will have retired, thus the 20th Congress will handle most of the trial work.
Facing speculations about his political future, Escudero clearly stated that he has no intention of succeeding as Vice President if Duterte is removed from office. He emphasized that the President must nominate a successor from Congress, who must then be approved, rather than the Senate President automatically succeeding.
"The notion that the Senate President automatically becomes the Vice President is a misunderstanding. The President will nominate a replacement, and both houses of Congress must approve," he explained.
Moreover, he denied any intention to run for President or Vice President in 2028. "I have been in politics for nearly 30 years, and I prefer to step back and let a new generation of leaders take over," he said.
Regarding concerns that the impeachment might jeopardize national security or lead to political instability, Escudero stated that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism designed to ensure accountability and does not endanger national security.
"If the Vice President has not committed any illegal acts, she has nothing to worry about. The Senate and the House of Representatives are merely fulfilling their constitutional duties," he emphasized.
Addressing some conspiracy theories that foreign powers like the USA are involved in pushing the impeachment, Escudero refuted these claims, stating that there is no solid evidence to support such allegations.
