MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero said that the Senate plenary will ultimately decide on all matters related to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as the chamber prepares for the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment on June 11, 2025.

In a press conference, Escudero said that while he may initially set the schedule, the plenary remains the highest authority in determining the proceedings of the Senate acting as an impeachment court.

“The plenary is the supreme body of the Senate. It gets to decide anything and everything although at first instance, it can be decided by the Senate President but ultimately, it will have to be confirmed and affirmed or rejected for that matter by plenary,” Escudero said.

He clarified that the rescheduling of the presentation does not benefit either the prosecution or the defense, and emphasized that the adjustment gives the Senate more time to perform its legislative functions.

“Walang mapapaboran nito, walang masasaktan … Ang nakuha lang namin dito ay mas mahabang panahon para magawa ‘yung totoo talaga naming trabaho–ang magpasa ng makabuluhang batas,” he said.

Escudero explained that even if the Articles were submitted earlier, the trial could not have progressed because of the congressional calendar and Senate rules.

“Nakalagay sa rules na 10 days from receipt. So kung June 3 napadala (ang summons), June 13 ang deadline, adjourned na ang Senado. Kung June 11 naman pinadala, ang 10 days will be on June 21 na adjourned na rin ang Senado by the time,” he said.

Under Senate rules, the Vice President has 10 days to respond to the summons once issued, and House prosecutors have five days to reply. All motions and objections must also be deliberated in plenary before the trial formally begins.

With only six session days left before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 14, Escudero said the impeachment trial, if it proceeds, will be handled by the 20th Congress, which opens on July 29.

According to the proposed schedule, newly elected senator-judges will take their oath on July 29 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a plenary session in the afternoon. The trial proper is set to begin on July 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The June 11 presentation date was set to allow the Senate to focus on 12 priority bills before adjournment, as discussed during last week’s LEDAC meeting in Malacañang. These measures include amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act, the E-Governance Act, and the Anti-POGO Act.

Escudero assured that the Senate will convene as an impeachment court once the plenary makes a decision.

“Plenaryo ang dapat magpasya n’yan … Pag-uusapan ‘yan sa susunod na mga araw marahil kapag nag-resume ang plenaryo lalong-lalo na sa itinakdang petsa kung hindi ito mababago ng plenaryo sa ika-11 ng Hunyo,” he said.