VP Office

In his summons, Escudero demanded that Duterte file her answer to the accusations indicated in the Articles of Impeachment within a non-extendible period of 10 days.

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He noted that the House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on Feb. 5. They were referred to the impeachment court on Monday.

But the reading of the Articles of Impeachment—originally scheduled yesterday—was canceled by the Senate impeachment court, as it had reportedly become "moot."

In a letter to Speaker Martin Romualdez, Escudero said "the putative presentation of the Articles of Impeachment which was scheduled for June 11, 2025 has been rendered moot and is thereby canceled."

He said the reading of the Articles and their being referred to the committee on rules should have triggered the convening of the impeachment court.

But with the court already convened, he said there was no longer a need to have the House prosecutors read the Articles of Impeachment.

BBM 'busy working' Amid the clash between the two legislative chambers over developments in the impeachment trial, President Marcos remains unperturbed as he is "busy working," Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

"I'll say this again, the President is not focused on impeachment, but the President also believes—in general—that there is a need for transparency, accountability for all public servants, not just in the impeachment trial," she said.

Castro said the President believes that procedures and the rule of law must be followed accordingly in the interest of the people.

"So, when the President says the process or procedure must be followed, do not toy along procedures," the Palace official said.