MANILA, Philippines — As the Senate session resumes on June 2, 2025, the Senate impeachment trial debate intensifies over whether the proceedings can extend beyond the current 19th Congress, which has only six session days left to discuss and prepare for the trial.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino argued that the Senate should not proceed with the trial due to constitutional limits. The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate on February 5, but the trial is scheduled to begin only on June 11.
Constitutional Mandate and Senate’s Inaction
Tolentino referenced Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the Senate to “proceed to trial, forthwith” once it receives the Articles of Impeachment. He criticized the Senate’s months-long delay and the decision to break for midterm elections before beginning the trial.
He said that such delays undermine the constitutional directive, the due process rights of the respondent, and the integrity of the Senate as the impeachment court.
Tolentino also cited Jefferson’s Manual, stating unfinished business at the end of one Congress cannot carry over to the next, especially if it violates the Constitution.
Opposition Senators Present Different Viewpoints
Senator Risa Hontiveros countered Tolentino’s interpretation, saying allowing the impeachment trial to cross congressional terms aligns with American and United Kingdom practices. She cited the UP Law Journal and legal expert Paolo Tamase, emphasizing that impeachment proceedings are not discontinued by parliamentary dissolution but may resume in the new Congress.
She referenced U.S. impeachment cases, such as former President Bill Clinton’s, where proceedings extended into the next congressional session.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel supported this, pointing out no constitutional provision forbids trial continuation beyond one Congress. The Senate Rules on Impeachment also support this position.
Senate President Chiz Escudero’s Position and Proceedings Status
On June 2, Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that while the Senate of the 19th Congress may convene as an impeachment court, it must reconvene as a court in the 20th Congress because prior decisions are “non-binding.”
Escudero postponed the initial presentation of the Articles of Impeachment from June 2 to June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress. However, the actual convening remains uncertain as senators may oppose the proceedings.
What Lies Ahead in the 20th Congress?
The 20th Congress, starting July 28, will decide whether to continue the trial. It can adopt the previous Congress’s rules by majority vote to proceed.
Calls for Urgency and Constitutional Warnings
Senator Risa Hontiveros warned that delaying the trial further may violate the Constitution. The Vice President expressed eagerness for the trial, stating she looks forward to a “bloodbath,” showing readiness to face the process.
References:
- Official Philippine Senate records, June 2025
- 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XI, Section 3(4)
- UP Law Journal on Emerging Issues in Philippine Impeachment
- Rappler.com, June 2025
- News.info.Inquirer, June 2025
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