Manila, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero was sworn in Monday evening, June 9, as the presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court, marking the formal start of proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The oath-taking followed a motion by Senator Joel Villanueva, who clarified that while Escudero had taken his oath, the Senate had not yet convened as an impeachment court. Senator-judges are scheduled to take their oaths at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, with the court officially convening on Wednesday, June 11.

Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5 on charges including corruption and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed support for Escudero’s leadership, stating, “I support you, Mr. President, whether we want it today or Wednesday, June 11, 2025. It is up to you. I am not a lawyer but I am somebody who hopes that our country will not be in a mess and we will remain united.”

The Senate’s decision followed a motion by Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who urged the chamber to suspend legislative business and immediately convene as an impeachment court. He also called for the reading of the Articles of Impeachment and the issuance of a writ of summons to the Vice President.

“Any further delay not only undermines the explicit mandate of the Constitution and our Rules. It risks eroding public trust in the Senate’s capacity to uphold the accountability of public officers and the rule of law,” Pimentel said.

Senator Robinhood Padilla opposed the motion, filing a resolution to terminate the proceedings, citing the limited time left before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 30. He echoed concerns raised by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who warned that initiating the trial so close to adjournment could raise constitutional issues.

Despite objections, several senators—including Juan Miguel Zubiri, Grace Poe, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Raffy Tulfo—voiced support for proceeding with the trial, emphasizing the Senate’s constitutional duty.

Escudero defended the delay, citing the need to prioritize legislative measures before the congressional break. He also rejected a proposal to fast-track the trial within 19 days, arguing that such a timeline would compromise due process.

“For me it’s very difficult to limit the presentation of evidence on both sides to one day each, simply because you want it done at the soonest possible time,” Escudero said.

The Senate is set to formally convene as an impeachment court on June 11, with the House prosecution panel expected to present the Articles of Impeachment and initiate formal proceedings.