Sen. Koko Pimentel and Sen. Chiz Escudero. Photos: Senate/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Chiz Escudero on Monday welcomed the move of Minority Leader Koko Pimentel to draft the rules of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I welcome and thank Sen Pimentel’s offer to help draft the proposed rules. I will instruct the legal team to coordinate with him on this matter,” Escudero said in a text message to reporters.
Pimentel, a lawyer, earlier expressed willingness to lead the drafting of rules.
“Walang problema. Five lang kami abogado sa Senate ngayon so baka wala ng ibang choice. Hintay muna ako sa official assignment. Then discuss ko sa staff ko. Pero just like Sen. Tolentino, I am also a candidate but I am willing to devote time to our duty,” Pimentel said in a previous interview.
The outgoing senator and Marikina 1st District candidate was one of the lawmakers who urged Escudero to convene the Senate as an impeachment court arguing that trial can proceed even in recess, contrary to the Senate chief’s stand.
Despite pressures from various sectors, Escudero maintained his position that trial shall only proceed once the 20th Congress enters into function after June 2.
He however had already released a tentative impeachment calendar which set trial commencement on July 30.
Below is the impeachment timeline as proposed by the Senate president.
June 2 – Resumption of session and presentation of articles of impeachment
June 3 – Convening of impeachment court and oathtaking of incumbent senator-judges
June 4 – Issuance of summons
June 14 to 24 – Reception of pleadings
June 24 to July 25 – Pre-trial
July 28 – Inaugural session of the Senate of the 20th Congress
July 29 – Oath Taking of newly-elected senator-judges before sitting as an impeachment court
July 30 – Start of trial
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Republika News 
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