Potential impeachment trial vs Duterte may delay Senate priorities - Gatchalian

Metro Manila, Philippines – Some priority measures in the Senate could be delayed if the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte proceeds to trial at the upper chamber, Sen. Win Gatchalian said.

In an interview with DWIZ 882, the lawmaker said a number of senators might prioritize the potential trial against the vice president should the House decide to impeach Duterte.

Under the Constitution, the Senate will serve as the “trial” court that will pass judgment on an impeached official.

“Iyan pa yung isang tanong, kung may oras pa. Dahil ang natitira na lang ay halos anim na buwan nilang bago maghalalan. At tatlong buwan doon ay campaign period. Tapos meron pang mga bakasyon, Christmas at Holy Week. Kaya iyon oras ay maiksing-maiksi,” Gatchalian said.

“Marami pa kasing mahalagang batas na pinag-uusapan. For example, sa aking committee, iyong batas na mag-aayos ng taxation natin para mas lumago pa ang kita ng gobyerno. So iyan ay maiiwan at maiiwan iyan,” he added.

[Translation: That’s also our question, if there’s still time. Because we only have six months left before elections. Three months of those will be the campaign period. We also have vacations such as Christmas and Holy Week. We’re short of time…There are still many important bills being discussed. For example, in my committee, the bill that aims to reform our taxation system to further boost government revenue. So that would be left behind, and it will be delayed]

Senate President Chiz Escudero earlier said the Senate may hold proceedings during session break in cases of impeachment.

In a separate interview with DWIZ, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said a separate calendar will be formed should the trial push through.

“Iba nga ang trial calendar…Iba ang kalendaryo doon, walang paki sa electoral calendar ang trial calendar. Ang mga korte natin may eleksyon o hindi tuloy,” he said when asked if the 2025 elections would affect potential proceedings.

[The trial calendar is different... It follows its own schedule and doesn’t take the electoral calendar into account. Whether there's an election or not, our courts continue with their proceedings]

Two separate complaints seeking to oust Duterte were filed and endorsed at the House of Representatives this week over supposed betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, among others.

The Office of the Vice President has yet to address the complaints.