SP Escudero welcomes Sen. Pimentel’s initiative to assist in drafting the rules for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed his gratitude for Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel’s offer to help formulate and draft the guidelines for the proceedings.
Escudero shared that he met Pimentel at a coffee gathering in Marikina, where the latter conveyed his willingness to contribute to structuring the trial rules.
The Senate President also noted that he is open to any assistance that would improve the impeachment process and assured that all contributions will be coordinated with the Senate’s legal team.
Escudero acknowledged Pimentel’s legal expertise, highlighting his credentials as a bar topnotcher and one of the few distinguished lawyers in the Senate.
Meanwhile, Pimentel’s suggested timeline for the proceedings remains a proposed schedule subject to voting and deliberation once Congress resumes its session on June 2.
The draft impeachment trial rules are also still under review, requiring thorough deliberation, voting, and approval by the plenary before being finalized.
Escudero emphasized that all proposals, including the trial guidelines, remain subject to plenary approval and the decision of the impeachment court.
Currently, the Senate is drafting its official response to the Supreme Court regarding its directive for Congress to explain the petitions filed by various groups related to the vice president’s impeachment.
The Senate is expected to submit the required documents within the week.