Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero stated that if Malacañang declines to call for a special session to move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate leadership will not seek one either.
In a report by Raymund Dadpaas during MBC Network News, Escudero firmly stated that he had no intention of asking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to convene a special session of the Senate, explaining that a special session should only be called or cases where a proposed bill needs to be urgently passed or amended.
Moreover, the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, must agree in order to move forward with the proceedings.
Escudero asserted that impeachment does not fall under the category of urgent legislation.
Earlier, the newly appointed officials of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) expressed that it would be inappropriate for President Marcos to call for a special session for the impeachment.
They explained that, especially with the allegations suggesting that the president himself is behind the impeachment against Duterte, it would not be appropriate.
The President previously reiterated that he is not involved in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
Meanwhile, Escudero maintained that he would not be affected by partisan groups pushing for the immediate advancement of the impeachment proceedings.
He mentioned that the matter is slated for plenary discussion on June 2, and the trial may commence according to the Senate's composition in the 20th Congress.
Furthermore, he noted that if their timeline goes as planned, the impeachment trial against Duterte will be completed by October.
