Pimentel backs special session for impeachment, pending bills

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is in favor of convening a special session of Congress to tackle not only the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte but also several pending legislative measures.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he is open to calling a special session if requested by senators, allowing them to conduct the impeachment trial even during the three-month congressional break.

“Para mas may kabuluhan ang special session, sana banggitin din ng Pangulo ang mga pending important legislative matters na dapat kilusan pa ng Kongreso. Para magka bicam na ‘yung iba and/or maayos na ang final versions,” Pimentel said in a text message to NewsWatch Plus on Friday, Feb. 7.

[Translation: To make the special session more worthwhile, I hope the President will also mention the pending important legislative matters that Congress still needs to act on. To convene the bicameral conference committee for some of them and/or finalize the versions.]

Pimentel listed several pending bills that Congress could address during a potential special session, including measures on the fiscal autonomy of the judiciary, higher taxes on tobacco and vape products, e-governance, capital markets reform, government rightsizing, strengthening the Justice Department’s legal staff, and enhancing animal welfare protections.

“Tapos pwede na i-tackle ng Senate ang pag-convene nito as an impeachment court dahil isasama na ito sa business of the special session (on the part of the Senate),” Pimentel said.

[Translation: Then, the Senate can tackle convening as an impeachment court since this will be included in the business of the special session (on the part of the Senate).]

The veteran lawmaker further explained that once the Senate convenes as an impeachment court, the trial can proceed daily and may carry over to the next Congress.

“‘Pag hindi matapos ng 19th Congress ang impeachment trial then yes the Senate in the 20th Congress will have to continue with the trial,” Pimentel said, echoing the opinion of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

[Translation: If the impeachment trial is not completed by the 19th Congress, then yes, the Senate in the 20th Congress will have to continue the trial.]

When asked if the Senate should request Marcos to call a special session, Pimentel responded, “There’s no need to request.”

"It's up to the President. But a special session of Congress can definitely help address the unfinished legislative matters," he said.

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has said it is the “sole prerogative of the president.”

Before Marcos’ statement on Thursday, Escudero had said he does not see an impeachment trial as warranting a special session.

“Sa aking pagkakaalam, ang pagtawag ng special session ay para sa mahalagang bagay at panukalang batas na kailangan ipasa. Ayon sa ating Saligang Batas, hindi ito marahil saklaw ng probisyon kaugnay ng special session. Pero haharapin namin iyun pag nandyan na,” Escudero said.

[Translation: To my knowledge, calling a special session is for important matters and bills that need to be passed. According to our Constitution, this may not fall under the provisions related to special sessions. But we will address it when the time comes.]

He has not responded to NewsWatch Plus' request for further comment following the President’s statement regarding a Senate request.

In a chance interview on Friday, Senator Joel Villanueva expressed reservations about the idea, lamenting the House's last-minute transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment.

“I myself will not ask for it but if the President asks for it, why not? I will comply. Willingly,” Villanueva said.

“If you look at the history of impeachment trials in this country walang binigay sa Senado na kung saan the next day, magkakaroon kayo ng trial. Walang binigay sa Senado na Articles of Impeachment and you expect a trial right away. Lalong lalo na walang binigay na Articles of Impeachment sa Senado na in a few minutes or an hour or so mag-aadjourn ang Senado at papasok ang eleksyon,” he said, adding that the process historically takes weeks or even months.

[Translation: "If you look at the history of impeachment trials in this country, the Senate has never been given something where the next day, there will be a trial. The Senate has never been given Articles of Impeachment and expected to have a trial right away. Especially, the Senate has never been given Articles of Impeachment where, in a few minutes or an hour or so, the Senate will adjourn and the elections will begin.]