Senate to convene court for VP trial

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero said that the Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio on June 3, following the reception of House prosecutors a day before.

In a letter sent to reporters on Thursday, Mr. Escudero said that the Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court at 9 a.m. on June 3, where it will issue the summons and other relevant orders.

The letter, dated May 19, had also scheduled the formal reception of House prosecutor at 4 p.m. on June 2, following the resumption of Congress.

Congress, which went on a nearly four-month break on Feb. 8 for the midterm elections, is set to resume for a two-week session from June 2 to 13.

“The Senate shall expect the prosecution to read the seven charges under the Articles of Impeachment in open session,” Mr. Escudero added.

The House impeached the vice-president on Feb. 5, alleging secret fund misuse, unexplained wealth, acts of destabilization and plotting the assassination of Mr. Marcos, his family, and the Speaker of the House. Ms. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

The impeachment complaint was filed and signed by more than 200 congressmen, meeting more than the one-third legal requirement before it could be sent to the Senate. The Vice-President is expected to face the Senate as an impeachment court once her trial commences in July.

The letter was sent to House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and to the Office of the Vice-President. This was received by both offices on May 19. — Adrian H. Halili