By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Senate on Monday evening referred the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to its Committee on Rules, formally initiating proceedings that could lead to the convening of an impeachment court.
The move came after Senate President Francis Escudero took his oath as presiding officer of the impeachment court, in a symbolic step seen as a prelude to the trial.
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,” he said.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also seconded the call.
Escudero’s oath as presiding officer, administered on the floor, came more than four months after the House of Representatives impeached Duterte on charges of corruption, misuse of confidential funds, and threatening President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and other officials.
The impeachment complaint was transmitted to the Senate on Feb. 5.
The Committee on Rules is now tasked with determining the schedule and procedures for the trial, including the formal swearing-in of senators as judges.
The development came amid pressure from the minority bloc and civil society groups to act within the 100-day constitutional window that has already lapsed.
Duterte’s allies, meanwhile, are drafting a resolution seeking dismissal of the case on grounds of inaction.
If convicted by two-thirds of the Senate, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office.
This is the fifth impeachment case in Philippine history and the first involving a vice president.
The Senate is expected to take further action when it resumes session on June 11. Congress adjourns sine die on June 30. (PNA)
