Senate reconvenes, prepares for resumption of VP Duterte impeachment trial

The Senate on Monday formally opened the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, marking the end of its nearly two-month legislative recess and the resumption of plenary proceedings, legislative deliberations, and preparations for the continuation of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.

Senators first convened in plenary before proceeding to the Batasang Pambansa Complex for the joint session of Congress, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

With the chamber back in session, lawmakers are set to resume work on pending legislation, including bills, resolutions, committee reports, appointments, and other measures awaiting Senate action.

The impeachment trial of Duterte will likewise continue this week, although hearings will not immediately resume as the Senate adjusted its schedule to accommodate the SONA and the annual Kontra-SONA activities.

Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero said senator-judges agreed during a caucus to suspend trial proceedings on Monday, July 27, because of the President's address, and on Tuesday, July 28, to give minority senators time to prepare for and deliver the traditional Kontra-SONA.

Under the revised timetable, the impeachment court will reconvene on Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the Senate's regular plenary session at 4 p.m. Escudero also said that beginning in August, impeachment proceedings will generally be held from Monday to Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., before the Senate convenes for its legislative session later in the day.

The Senate last met in plenary on June 3 before breaking for the legislative recess. Despite the suspension of regular sessions, senators continued to conduct committee hearings, oversight functions, and other legislative activities throughout the break.