Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced on Tuesday that the Senate’s decision on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could be finalized by October 2025. He shared this timeline during a press conference in Sorsogon, outlining how the proceedings will unfold over the coming months.
Timeline of the Impeachment Trial
Escudero detailed a rough schedule for the impeachment trial, emphasizing that it will not take longer than two or three months. He expects the trial to conclude before the Senate recess in October 2025, allowing senators to vote on the case before the break.
“Sa tingin ko, hindi sosobra sa tatlong buwan o dalawang buwan ang trial, so by the time na mag-recess kami sa October 2025, tapos na ito at mapagbobotohan na,” Escudero stated.
(Translation: “I think the trial won’t last more than three or two months. By the time we go into recess in October 2025, the trial will be done and we will already vote.”)
Here’s the expected schedule for the impeachment trial:
- June 2: Senate resumes and convenes the impeachment court, approves the rules
- June 4: Senate issues summons to VP Sara Duterte
- June 6: Deadline for VP Duterte to receive the summons
- June 16: Deadline for VP Duterte to respond to the summons
- June 26: Deadline for the House of Representatives to file a reply to Duterte’s response
- June 30: Deadline for filing possible rejoinders and legal pleadings
- July 29 or 30: Expected start of the trial, where evidence will be presented and examined
No Special Sessions for Impeachment
Despite some calls for a special session, Escudero firmly rejected the idea. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III previously suggested an immediate session to begin the impeachment trial, arguing that it was the Senate’s constitutional duty.
However, Escudero pointed out that a special session is only justified in cases of urgent legislation or emergencies, neither of which applies to impeachment.
“Ang impeachment ay hindi urgent legislation,” Escudero emphasized.
(Translation: “Impeachment is not urgent legislation.”)
He also explained that he does not want the Senate to be accused of manipulating procedures just to expedite the trial.
Why the Impeachment Rules Won’t Be Updated
Escudero also clarified that the Senate will not be making changes to its impeachment rules, as any alterations might be questioned before the Supreme Court.
“Pinagdebatehan namin nang mahaba ‘yan. Bagaman gusto naming i-update ‘yung rules, hindi namin puwedeng gawin lahat ang gusto naming gawin dahil mayroon nang nakasampang kaso,” Escudero said.
(Translation: “We debated this for a long time. Although we want to update the rules, we cannot do everything we want because there is already a pending case.”)
He further stated that changing the rules mid-trial could lead to allegations of bias.
“I don’t want the Senate to be accused of changing the rules in the middle of the game. Baka sabihin ni VP Sara, binago niyo dahil lang sa akin,” he explained.
(Translation: “VP Sara might say we changed the rules because of her.”)
Escudero Won’t Accept VP Position if Duterte is Convicted
Should VP Duterte be convicted by the impeachment court, Escudero made it clear that he has no interest in assuming the role of Vice President.
“Sinabi ko na ‘yan ilang araw na ang nakalilipas na hindi ako interesadong maging bise,” he said.
(Translation: “I have already said that I am not interested in being Vice President.”)
He added that lawmakers who endorsed the impeachment complaint should also clarify that they are not motivated by personal ambition.
“Sa parte ng Kamara, siguro dapat ganu’n din kasi pipili nga mula sa Kongreso, eh,” Escudero stated.
(Translation: “Perhaps this should also be the case for members of the House of Representatives, since the next Vice President will be chosen from Congress.”)
What Happens If VP Duterte Is Convicted?
If VP Duterte is removed from office, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will have the authority to appoint a new Vice President from Congress.
On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives formally impeached Duterte, with over 200 lawmakers supporting the complaint. The Articles of Impeachment were sent to the Senate the same day, but the upper chamber adjourned without taking action.
Meanwhile, Duterte has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, questioning the legality of the impeachment complaint. Several legal groups and lawyers from Mindanao have also asked the Supreme Court to stop the trial, arguing that the complaint is defective.
Another petition, filed by lawyer Catalino Generillo Jr., seeks to force the Senate to convene as an impeachment court immediately.
Final Thoughts
As the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte moves forward, Escudero remains firm on the Senate’s timeline and stance. The trial is expected to be completed by October 2025, and the Senate president is determined to uphold fair and transparent proceedings. However, legal challenges from Duterte’s camp and various groups could impact the process.
With political tensions rising, all eyes are on the Senate as it prepares for one of the most high-profile impeachment trials in the country’s history.
