Members of the Senate of the Philippines, led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 convene as an impeachment court to try the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Joseph B. Vidal, OSP/Voltaire F. Domingo, Senate Social Media Unit MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the presiding officer of the impeachment court, on Monday reiterated that it is "voluntary" on the side of the senator-judges to inhibit themselves from the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte amid concerns over some of their "political leanings."

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Escudero explained that the defense or prosecution may file a motion asking for the inhibition of a certain senator-judge, but even the impeachment court cannot force any senator-judge to stop from participating in the process.

“Hindi kami puwede magbotohan na i-inhibit siya. Walang ganong proseso. Ang proseso ay ikaw ang bahala kung gusto mo mag-recuse o mag-inhibit," Escudero said in a press conference on Monday.

"Pero para talagang matanggal siya kung gusto mo, kung may ginawa siyang paglabag sa kanyang trabaho bilang senador, sa pamamagitan ng isang ethics complaint. Iyon ang sinabi ni dating Senate President Enrile kaugnay sa mga motions for inhibition noong panahon yun, noong impeachment ni Chief Justice Corona,” he added.

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Asked if the impeachment court’s integrity is affected by the closeness of senator-judges Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos to Duterte, Escudero refused to give an answer.

"Hindi para sa akin na sabihin yun. Again, that is referred to the sound judgment and decision of the impeachment court judges. Kung may hihiling in open court nun, that would be addressed to them.”

Escudero also pointed out that the criticisms should go both ways.

“Pantay dapat. Hindi lang yung pabor sa impeachment at ayaw kay VP Sara, pati yung gusto kay VP Sara at saka yung ayaw sa impeachment. Magkabilang panig palagi,” he noted. 

Escudero said he sees no reason for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to intervene between the Senate and House of Representatives.

CONTEMPT

According to Escudero, the impeachment court has the power to cite a certain party in contempt if it defies an order. 

But if Vice President Sara Duterte does not give a reply, Escudero said the trial will continue and a not guilty plea will be entered for her. She also has the right to not appear before the court if she so wishes. 

Escudero leaves it to the presiding officer of the 20th Congress when to convene the court to discuss matters that will arise. 

“Kung kailan gagawin yun walang timetable o time period ang nakasaad sa rules namin,” he said.

CERTIFICATION

Escudero said the House of Representatives has still not submitted its certification that it complied with the Constitution when the impeachment complaint was filed.

He reminded that all communication must now be in the form of pleadings.

“Kung resolusyon man yun ng camera, kailangan nilang i-attach yun sa isang pleading na ang tawag ay compliance kaugnay sa order ng impeachment court,” Escudero said.

“Compliance kaugnay sa pagsunod sa one-year ban, yan ay kailangan isumite ng 19th Congress. At compliance kaugnay sa desidido pa ba silang ituloy ito sa panibagong Kongreso dahil hindi nga pwedeng i-bind ng 19th Congress,19th House ang 20th House. So yun dapat ibigay naman ng 20th Congress,” he added. 

Escudero said the 19th Congress has until June 30 to submit their certification, but in the event that they do not, then the 20th Congress can do so.

He said there is no problem if the attestation is not passed on June 30.

CRITICISMS

Escudero also reacted to comments from certain congressmen that the order of the impeachment court is unclear.

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“Okay lang, pero hindi siya puwede magsalita sa ngalan ng lahat hangga’t wala kaming natatanggap na pleading. Ulitin ko, alam kong political process ito, pero hindi na ito madadala sa mga interview, press release, at saka social media post. Kung anoman ang ninanais ng Kamara, dapat sila’y magsalita in one voice, in unison, sa pamamagitan ng isang pleading na isasubmit sa impeachment court,” Escudero stated.

As for criticisms that what the impeachment court did was irregular, Escudero said the powers of the court is not limited.

“Walang limitasyon ang impeachment court. Kaugnay ng pwede o hindi namin puwedeng pagpasyahan. Nakalagay nga sa Saligang Batas, di ba? Sole power to try and decide. Sa aming rules o sa rules man ng rules of court, walang nakasaad doon na bawal ka gumawa ng ganito o ganyan o ganoong mosyon. Lahat ng mosyon puwedeng gawin at pagbobotohan ng impeachment court. Walang limitasyon yun," he said.

Escudero reiterated that the Supreme Court is the one to say who is right or wrong.