'VP Sara impeachment trial starts after SONA'

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would commence only after President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 21, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Escudero told Senate reporters that the trial would start "when the new Congress already enters into its function." "SONA is on July 21, so the trial will commence after that day," he said.

Escudero reiterated that Duterte would receive fair treatment as she faces senators, who will be sitting as judges in the impeachment court.

He repeated that Duterte would not be forced to physically attend the impeachment trial and that she would be accorded treatment appropriate to her position.

"She's free to say what she wants, but if she needs to attend, we will make her attend. If she doesn't need to attend, we won't force her, because that's her right, to waive her right to appear unless it is necessary or needed," Escudero said.

If Duterte would like to give her testimony, Escudero, who is a lawyer, said any direct testimony must be subject to cross-examination before it is considered admissible.

"Will she attend as a spectator? Will she attend as a lawyer... lawyering for herself? It depends on what capacity she will attend, and she will be accorded the treatment depending on (that) capacity," he explained.

Several lawmakers, along with various sectors, are urging the Senate to immediately commence the impeachment trial, which could be made possible if President Marcos calls a special session to allow the Senate to convene as an impeachment court.

However, Escudero explained that even when the Senate resumes session on June 2, the senators could not hold a trial right away as they still have a lot to prepare and they would not be able to discuss anything until the 19th Congress closes on June 30.

He noted that first, they still need to adopt permanent impeachment rules – which are currently being drafted and will be debated when session resumes.

He said they still have to give Duterte time to answer the Articles of Impeachment, which can be set for 10 days, and can be extended if requested.