Senate rejects House plea to summon VP over ouster raps

THE Philippine Senate has rejected a plea by congressmen who will act as prosecutors in Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial to compel her to comment on her impeachment charges.

- Chloe Mari A. Hufana Reporter

The Senate could not act on the motion since Congress is on a break and the Senate had yet to convene as an impeachment court, Senate President Francis G. Escudero told reporters on Wednesday.

“It cannot legally be done,” he said.

On Tuesday, the congressmen urged the Senate president summon the Vice-President and inform her of the charges.

“When the Senate is in session, only then can they present articles of impeachment and only then can the impeachment court be convened to mediate the impeachment,” Mr. Escudero said.

According to a proposed impeachment schedule, the prosecution’s presentation and the approval of updated impeachment trial rules are set for June 2 or once congress resumes from its four-month break.

Congress went on a four-month break for the 2025 midterm elections and will reconvene for a two-week session on June 2.

The proposed start of the trial is scheduled on July 30 once newly elected Senators take oath as impeachment judges on July 29.

The House impeached the Vice-President on Feb. 5, alleging secret fund misuse, unexplained wealth, acts of destabilization and plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his family. Ms. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

The impeachment complaint was filed and signed by more than 200 congressmen, more than the one-third legal requirement before it could be sent to the Senate.

Impeached by the President’s allies at the House of Representatives.