Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has called on Majority Leader Francis Tolentino to take immediate action on his letter requesting the Senate to commence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This call comes amidst growing political tensions and constitutional debates in the Philippines, echoing similar high-stakes political dramas seen in the United States, such as the impeachment trials of President Donald Trump.

Constitutional Mandate and Legislative Functions

Pimentel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the Senate Majority Leader should “set the stage for the impeachment in keeping with the mandate of the Constitution.” He further clarified that preparatory work for the impeachment can proceed independently of the legislative functions of Congress, ensuring that the constitutional process is not delayed.

“Preparatory work for the impeachment can proceed immediately as these actions are separate and distinct from the legislative functions of Congress,” Pimentel said in a statement on Tuesday.

Impeachment Process and Constitutional Provisions

Last week, Pimentel wrote to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, urging him to immediately convene the Senate as an impeachment court. This request was based on the constitutional provision that the impeachment trial “shall forthwith proceed.” The letter was referred to the Senate committee on rules, chaired by Tolentino, who is also seeking reelection in the 2025 midterm polls.

The impeachment process in the Philippines is similar to that in the U.S., where the House of Representatives acts as the grand jury and the Senate serves as the trial court. The constitutional mandate for a swift impeachment trial is akin to the U.S. Constitution’s requirement for a timely trial, as seen in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1998.

Political Responsibilities vs. Reelection Campaigns

Pimentel stressed the importance of fulfilling constitutional duties over political ambitions. He asserted that while senators may be busy with their reelection campaigns, their primary responsibility is to uphold the constitution. This sentiment resonates with the U.S. political landscape, where politicians often face criticism for prioritizing campaign activities over legislative duties.

“We have a constitutional duty that must take precedence over our reelection bid. While we may be busy with our campaigns, the best campaign is fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities. I trust that the upcoming election will not interfere with our mandate,” Pimentel emphasized.

Reviewing Impeachment Guidelines

Pimentel also called for the Senate’s Committee on Rules to immediately review the impeachment guidelines. He suggested that the committee could either reaffirm the existing rules or propose targeted amendments that better align with the constitutional intent. This approach mirrors the U.S. Senate’s practice of reviewing and updating its impeachment rules to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements.

“The Senate’s Committee on Rules must forthwith, immediately, right away, and without delay review the impeachment guidelines,” he added.

Caucus and Legislative Calendar

Pimentel reiterated his call for senators to hold a caucus to discuss the impeachment of the Vice President, especially amidst the 2025 midterm polls where 10 senators are either running for reelection or for local positions. He argued that the Senate should not be bound by its legislative calendar, as the impeachment court operates on a separate calendar.

“We should not be bound by the so-called Senate legislative calendar. It is because the Senate is still existing as a Senate, and we can declare that we are now convening as an impeachment court. The court calendar is different from the legislative calendar. We can act earlier than June 2,” he said.

Constitutional Mandate and Early Action

Pimentel argued that starting the trial on June 2 would contravene the constitutional mandate that the impeachment “trial by the Senate shall forthwith start.” He emphasized that the Senate can make a decision to convene as an impeachment court and come up with its own court calendar separate from its legislative calendar. This approach ensures that the constitutional process is not delayed, similar to the U.S. Senate’s practice of prioritizing constitutional duties over legislative schedules.

“The Senate can make a decision to convene as an impeachment court and come up with its own court calendar separate from its legislative calendar,” he said.

Potential Counterarguments and Future Developments

Critics may argue that rushing the impeachment trial could lead to procedural errors and undermine the integrity of the process. However, Pimentel’s insistence on adhering to the constitutional mandate highlights the importance of timely action in upholding the rule of law. As the political landscape in the Philippines continues to evolve, the outcome of this impeachment trial will have significant implications for the country’s political future, much like the impact of high-profile impeachment trials in the U.S.