The Senate minority bloc is set to challenge a proposal to install Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the presiding officer for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing potential constitutional issues.
Senator Robin Padilla on Monday raised concerns over the plan, pointing out that the 1987 Constitution explicitly tasks the sitting Senate President—currently Win Gatchalian—with presiding over such proceedings.
Padilla made his statements following a revelation from Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson that the majority bloc had mutually agreed to back Escudero due to his extensive legal background and previous experience with impeachment cases.
However, Padilla argued that bypassing Gatchalian could diminish the authority of the Senate leadership, questioning why the majority is not rallying behind their own leader instead.
“Kailangan namin i-oppose yun. Bilang kami ay minorya. Bilang kami, trabaho namin. Yung mga alam namin na… parang wala yata sa Konstitusyon yan. Kailangan namin pag-usapan yan,” Padilla told reporters.
“Sa Konstitusyon nakalagay doon na ang dapat mag preside ang Senate president. Siguro napakalaking issue nyan para kay (Gatchalian) para siya ay palitan sa oras na yon,” he added.
“Dapat yung majority, ini-encourage nila dapat si (Gatchalian). Para sa … akin, nade-degrade yung tao,” he said.
The formal impeachment court is scheduled to convene on July 6 to officially begin the trial of Vice President Duterte.