In a significant political development, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has called on Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino to initiate the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This move comes as part of an ongoing debate within the Senate about constitutional duties and electoral priorities.

Pimentel’s urgent plea aligns with the constitutional mandate, highlighting the necessity for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial without delay. As Pimentel said in a statement on Tuesday, “The Senate Majority Leader should now set the stage for the impeachment in keeping with the mandate of the Constitution.”

The minority leader emphasized that preparatory work for the impeachment can commence immediately, independently from the legislative functions of Congress. Pimentel wrote to Senator President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, urging him to convene the Senate as an impeachment court, citing the constitutional clause that stipulates the impeachment trial “shall forthwith proceed.”

“Preparatory work for the impeachment can proceed immediately as these actions are separate and distinct from the legislative functions of Congress.”
—Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Pimentel stressed that constitutional obligations should take precedence over electoral campaigns. He remarked, “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.”

The Senate’s Committee on Rules, currently chaired by Tolentino, who is seeking reelection in the 2025 midterm polls, is tasked with reviewing the impeachment guidelines. Pimentel’s demand is clear and pressing:

“The Senate’s Committee on Rules must forthwith, immediately, right away, and without delay review the impeachment guidelines.”
—Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

This urgency stems from the impending midterm elections, where 10 senators are either aiming for reelection or local positions. Pimentel has reiterated his call for a caucus to discuss the impeachment of the Vice President, ensuring that the Senate’s actions remain steadfast in the face of political pressures.

Senate President Escudero has been hesitant to initiate the trial during the session break, but Pimentel remains steadfast in his assertion. He explained, “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.”

Pimentel’s argument draws a parallel with the U.S. legislative process, where the House of Representatives and the Senate operate on distinct calendars. Similarly, he asserts, the Senate’s impeachment court must function independently of its legislative calendar. Starting the trial on June 2, he argues, would contravene the constitutional mandate that the impeachment “trial by the Senate shall forthwith start.” Therefore, the Senate can, and should, declare itself an impeachment court with its own separate calendar.

“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.”/
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—Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

frequently Asked Questions

1. Who has called for the initiation of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte?

Senate Minority Leader aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has called on Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino to initiate the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This move is in alignment with the constitutional mandate that requires the Senate to proceed without delay. Pimentel emphasized that preparatory steps for the trial can occur separate from legislative tasks, highlighting the clause that the impeachment trial “shall forthwith proceed.” [[1]][[2]]

2. What constitutional duty is Pimentel emphasizing?

Pimentel has stressed that fulfilling constitutional obligations should take precedence over electoral campaigns. He asserts that while Senators might potentially be busy with their re-election efforts, they must prioritize their constitutional responsibilities. The importance of adhering to such duties underscores the necessity of convening the Senate as an impeachment court nonetheless of the legislative calendar. [[2]]

3. What is the role of the Senate’s Committee on Rules in the impeachment process?

The Senate’s Committee on Rules, led by Senator Tolentino, is tasked with reviewing the guidelines for the impeachment trial. Pimentel has urged this committee to review the guidelines promptly, in accordance with their constitutional duty to ensure the impeachment trial proceeds without delay. This urgency is driven by the upcoming midterm elections, highlighting the importance of acting swiftly. [[3]]

4. Why is Pimentel urging the Senate to convene as an impeachment court outside of the legislative calendar?

Pimentel argues that the impeachment court’s proceedings should be self-reliant of the legislative calendar. He draws parallels to the U.S. legislative system, where different branches operate on distinct calendars. According to Pimentel, the Senate should be able to declare itself an impeachment court at any time, not just after the legislative schedule allows, to adhere to the constitutional mandate that the trial must start “forthwith.” [[1]]

5. What are the potential counterarguments to Pimentel’s call for immediate action?

• Critics argue that focusing on an impeachment trial during an election year might unduly influence public opinion and disrupt the electoral process.
• Supporters of the administration may claim that legislative duties should not be overshadowed by what some perceive as a political move, potentially undermining public confidence in their representatives.

Analyzing the Implications

Pimentel’s demands underscore the importance of adhering to constitutional responsibilities even in politically charged environments. The debate highlights a broader discussion evident in other nations, such as the U.S., where impeachment trials have showcased the balance between political dynamics and constitutional mandates. This situation prompts experts to consider how and when impeachment trials should take precedence over other governmental functions.