Photo courtesy of Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook.
The Senate could begin proceedings as an impeachment court as early as May 13 if the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte are transmitted on time, a lawmaker said Sunday.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the impeachment complaint, with at least 106 members needed to approve it.
If the threshold is met, the Articles of Impeachment may be sent to the Senate the following day.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Senate leaders had earlier signaled readiness to convene the impeachment court soon after receiving the documents.
He said the Constitution requires the chamber to proceed with the trial once the Articles are transmitted.
Gatchalian noted that while the term “forthwith” is used in the Constitution, the Supreme Court has clarified that it does not impose a fixed timeline.
The high court said the Senate has discretion to determine a reasonable schedule for starting the proceedings.
Gatchalian added that any attempt to delay or block the convening would depend on the arguments presented, stressing that the Senate’s duty to conduct the trial remains clear.