Senate President Chiz Escudero PRESSCON on VP Sara Impeachment Schedule

Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero explained why the verified impeachment complaint against VP Sara was not discussed before the Senate adjourned. He emphasized that the Senate had a set schedule, and there was no agreement to delay or prevent the discussion of the complaint. He clarified that the impeachment process follows specific rules, including preparing the Senate for a proper and orderly trial. Escudero cited past impeachment cases, such as those of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and Chief Justice Renato Corona, to illustrate that the term "forthwith" does not mean an immediate trial. Ultimately, he stressed the importance of following due process to ensure a fair, credible, and just impeachment proceeding.