Senator Escudero's role in VP Duterte impeachment trial not yet final— Senator Gatchalian

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said it is still uncertain whether or not Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero will preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, noting that the matter has yet to be fully resolved by the chamber.

In a Senate press briefing, Gatchalian said, “I don’t want to preempt the presiding officer discussion. That will still be discussed by the senators.” He added that under the existing rules, the Senate president is expected to preside unless the chamber decides otherwise.

Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the majority bloc had already reached an understanding to designate Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court. “As per our consensus as of this morning, we will elect Sen. Chiz Escudero if we convene again as the impeachment court to be the presiding officer,” Lacson said, adding that this arrangement is not final and could still change.

Despite this, Gatchalian maintained that he remains the presiding officer. “We will discuss. But right now as it stands in the rules, I will preside,” he stressed. Rule II of the impeachment rules states that the Senate president presides over impeachment proceedings, except in cases involving the President of the Philippines.

Senators, however, had earlier amended the rules during the June 3 session, which was attended by only 12 senators, allowing for the possibility of designating another presiding officer.

This move is now being challenged before the Supreme Court through a petition filed by nine senators led by former Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano, who are seeking to nullify the June 3 proceedings, including the declaration of all seats as vacant. The petition argues that at least 13 of 24 senators are required for the Senate to conduct official business.

Gatchalian, however, defended the validity of the proceedings, citing established practice where a quorum was previously determined using only 12 senators in at least eight instances.