PIMENTEL URGES IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF SARA DUTERTE TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has urged Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to commence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte without delay, citing the constitutional requirement for prompt action. In his letter, Pimentel highlighted that the Constitution mandates the Senate to act “forthwith” once Articles of Impeachment are filed. This comes after Duterte’s impeachment by the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025, with 240 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. Meanwhile, Mindanao lawyers have filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to stop the Senate from proceeding with the trial, but the Court has yet to rule. Duterte, who is facing the impeachment proceedings, has maintained she is not resigning and is still contemplating a 2028 presidential run.