VP impeachment trial won't derail Senate tasks

The coming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will not interfere with the regular legislative duties of the chamber, an official said yesterday.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

Senate spokesman Arnel Bañas said the impeachment trial is scheduled at 9 a.m. while regular sessions and committee hearings are held in the afternoon.

"Session is at 3 p.m. while the impeachment trial is at 9 a.m. My basis here is the impeachment trial of president Erap (Joseph Estrada) and chief justice Renato Corona, which had no effect because the senators were able to fulfill their duties," Bañas told Teleradyo Serbisyo in Filipino.

He said senators had demonstrated their ability to manage demanding schedules, particularly during the budget season and even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bañas said that during budget season, senators would tackle proposals until midnight.

"If they have to do it, they will do it," he said, referring to the possibility of extended sessions.