Escudero: Impeachment trial stays on morning schedule next week

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will continue to be held in the mornings next week, or at least on Aug. 17, despite proposals from senator-judges to instead hold the proceedings in the afternoon.

Presiding officer and Senator-judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero made the ruling during the adjournment on the 15th day of the impeachment trial on Wednesday.

READ: Zubiri proposes trial be held 3 p.m. onwards for longer proceedings

Article continues after this advertisement

“We hereby adjourn until Monday, Aug. 17, still at 10 a.m.,” said Escudero.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Escudero’s pronouncement came despite a suggestion floated by Senator-judge Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday to hold the trial at 3 p.m. instead so discussions are not cut short to make way for legislative sessions.

Escudero, however, told Zubiri that the court will “adjust as the need arises” adding that the change in schedule cannot be done suddenly.

Meanwhile, Senator-judges Pia Cayetano and Camille Villar expressed reluctance to Zubiri’s proposal, particularly as it was done outside of caucus.

It was only after the 20th Congress’ second regular session began on July 27 when the impeachment trial began from 10 a.m., before being cut by 3 p.m. to give way to the plenary session. /das