Sen. Joel Villanueva Speaks on VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial amid Public Queries for Update
SARA DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL – The senators are planning to have the trial on August 4 or a week after the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in February. More than two-thirds of the members of the House were in favor of her ouster amid the allegations of misused Confidential Funds.
Duterte was called for a House hearing multiple times but also ditched several inquiries set by the lower chamber. Her impeachment document was transmitted to the Senate but the upper chamber, as an impeachment court, has ruled to return it.
Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero clarified that the return of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte to the House is not a dismissal nor termination of the case. According to him, it is a chance for the House members to answer questions before the senator judges decide on the case.
The Senate questions the constitutionality of the impeachment of Duterte. It also sought a reconfirmation from the 20th Congress. Based on the latest Social Weather Station or SWS survey, more Filipinos believe that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte should answer to the impeachment charges filed against her.
Currently, there are doubts on whether the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial will push through or not. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros previously stressed that the impeachment complaint against Duterte is already within the jurisdiction of the Senate. According to her, she has not seen any court asking about the jurisdiction when the case is already there.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros also emphasized that it is the duty of the Senate impeachment court to hold a trial. According to her, she will block a possible motion of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa asking the senators if they are willing to push through with the trial.
Recently, an update about the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial crossed the surface. Based on a report on Inquirer, Sen. Joel Villanueva revealed that they are eyeing to start the trial a week after the 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos or on August 4.
According to Sen. Villanueva, the week before the trial can be the chance for the Senate as well as the House of Representatives to settle first. Based on the report, four to six senators have agreed on starting the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial on August 4.
Prior to starting the impeachment trial, the senators would have to decide on who will be their chief. Currently, there are two (2) names tagged to vie in the Senate presidency — Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero and former Senate President and incoming Sen. Tito Sotto.
Recently, Sen. Raffy Tulfo aired his support for Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero in the Senate presidency. He also explained why he won’t be supporting incoming Sen. Tito Sotto.