Impeachment trial vs VP Duterte can start by March, says Pimentel

Senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (left) and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero (Photos from Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III believes the Senate can start acting on the impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte as early as March.

Speaking to reporters in the “Kapihan sa Senado” forum on Thursday, Pimentel said Senate President Francis Escudero himself was “prepared” for the trial, noting that the rules had already been reviewed.

Asked when the impeachment trial should start, Pimentel immediately said in a mix of Filipino and English: “I hope in March… The SP [Senate president] has already prepared.  He has asked for a review of the rules. That’s easy.”

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“When the court goes in session, we will take the oath. We will affirm the existing rules so that there will be no issue on whether or not these are valid,” he went on.

“If we will propose amendments, then we will open. And then, we will authorize the Senate president to send summons to the impeached officials so that the 10 days will be in operation. It will be a pity if we will lose those days,” he added.

While Pimentel insisted that the trial should start by March, he also said that his use of the word ‘trial’ was a bit broad.

“My use of ‘trial’ is somewhat generic — meaning, the entire process,” he explained.

“Maybe witnesses would still not sit on the witness stand. It’s just that trial will start in a sense that the impeachment officials will be asked to answer. The prosecutors will be asked to respond.”

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But does this mean that the Senate should have already convened into an impeachment court by March?

Pimentel said yes — so there would be no questions about the subsequent steps of the case.