MALACAÑANG stated on Tuesday that it would be “awkward” for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to unilaterally call a special session to expedite the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters that no formal request has been made for a special congressional session to initiate the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
“It would be more appropriate for the Senate to make the request to the President. In fact, the President himself has said that if the Senate asks him to call for a special session, he will do so,” Castro explained.
She emphasized that under the Constitution, the President has the authority to summon a special session at any time.
However, she acknowledged a legal “gray area” regarding whether impeachment proceedings can commence while Congress is in recess.
“If you examine the Constitution, it states that impeachment proceedings should ‘forthwith proceed,’ but there is no clear timeframe specified. While it is clear that the process can move forward during an active session, it remains uncertain whether it can do so during a recess,” Castro said.
She also noted that calling a special session is not limited to urgent legislative matters but could also apply to an impeachment trial.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5 and immediately transmitted the complaint to the Senate.
The impeachment case is based on six key allegations, citing violations of the 1987 Constitution, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws.
Senate President Francis Escudero stated on February 24 that a special session is required before the Senate can formally begin the impeachment proceedings.