VP Sara impeachment trial to start in 20th Congress

THE impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will commence in the 20th Congress, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Escudero told reporters the trial cannot be held during the 19th Congress due to a lack of time. The 19th Congress is set to adjourn sine die on June 14.

“Sa 20th Congress na ‘yan dahil wala nang sapat na panahon ngayon. Hindi namin kasalanan ‘yan. Pinili ng House i-file ‘yan sa mga huling araw, huling oras ng last day namin na alam nilang dalawang linggo na lang ang naiiwan,” Escudero said.

(That will be in the 20th Congress because there is no longer enough time now. That's not our fault. The House chose to file it in the last days, the last hours of our last day, knowing only two weeks remained.)

Despite this, the impeachment court will convene Wednesday, June 11, with Escudero presiding and senators serving as judges.

Escudero took his oath as presiding officer during the plenary session on June 9.

Senator-judges are scheduled for their oath-taking today, June 10, at 4 p.m.

The 20th Congress opens on July 28, coinciding with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino filed a resolution proposing a 19-day calendar in order "to uphold due process and ensure the timely resolution of the impeachment case."

Tolentino's proposed schedule:

1. June 11: Constitution of the impeachment court

2. June 11-21: Submission of answer by Vice President Sara Duterte

3. June 22: Reply of prosecutors

4. June 23: Submission of trial briefs (morning); Opening statements (afternoon)

5. June 24-25: Presentation of evidence by prosecution

6. June 25-26: Presentation of evidence by defense

7. June 27: Rebuttal by prosecution (morning); Rebuttal by defense (afternoon)

8. June 28: Oral arguments (1 hour each for defense and prosecution)

9. June 29: Closed-door meeting of senator-judges

10. June 30: Rendition of verdict

Tolentino stated this calendar would allow the Senate to resolve the trial within the 19th Congress's term, preventing "unresolved and constitutionally precarious implications" of extending proceedings to the next Congress.

President Marcos, however, distanced himself from the impeachment trial.

"Why? What is the controversy? It is very clear that it will," Marcos said. "Because there is no way that even if they start the trial now, that they will finish it before the new Senators come in."

He added, "So well… again, the senators will decide…we leave it to them."

Marcos believes Escudero is working for a peaceful transition from the 19th to the 20th Congress. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)