Senator Francis Tolentino asserted that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte will be “functionally dismissed” if it is not resolved before June 30, 2025.
He explained that, based on legislative principles, unresolved cases cannot carry over to the next Congress.
Tolentino emphasized that if the trial remains incomplete by the end of the 19th Congress, the 20th Congress will no longer have the constitutional authority to continue proceedings.
He further warned that prolonged delays violate due process and diminish the Senate’s credibility as an impeachment court.
The reading of the impeachment complaint against Duterte was rescheduled from June 2 to June 11 to prioritize key administration proposals before Congress adjourns sine die on June 14.
Tolentino noted that, unlike in the United States or under the 1935 Constitution, the remaining 12 senators after the elections will not constitute a quorum, preventing the case from advancing to the next Congress.