Hontiveros: Nothing hinders Senate from tackling impeachment case; backs call for a caucus

Manila Bulletin

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, February 26 expressed support to calls for the Senate leadership to call for a caucus to tackle the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.  READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/26/hontiveros-nothing-hinders-senate-from-tackling-impeachment-case-backs-call-for-a-caucus  Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin  Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manilabulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin  #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

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00:00I agree and still agree with the view of Senate Minority Leader Senator Coco Pimentel that the Constitution's orders are clear to us, forthwith, and even clearer to the Filipinos right away.

00:19At the same time, I agree with the view of Senate President Cheese Escudero that we cannot convene as an impeachment trial court while our session is adjourned.

00:40But I also agree with what SP said, that he will convene an all-members caucus, and I hope that in that caucus, our fellow Filipinos will hear Senator Coco's arguments.

00:58Why can't we convene as an impeachment court to tackle the articles of impeachment?

01:11Senator Coco also taught me in the Constitution that if an impeachment trial is adjourned, the legislative calendar will not be affected.

01:21So, in like manner, we can say that because the regular sessions of the Senate were adjourned, it does not mean that we cannot convene and perform our duties in an impeachment trial.

01:39So, Ma'am, did Senator Coco Pimentel teach you that even if there is no session for legislative measures, the majority of Senators can convene and discuss the impeachment case against VP Sara?

01:57Yes, and if my understanding of Senator Coco is correct, it is not only allowed, but it should be.

02:06And it is also said in the rules of the Senate, specifically the Senate Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.

02:19So, in my opinion, based on what Senator Coco said, and my understanding of what they are discussing in the Constitution and our own rules on impeachment here in the Senate,

02:32no one is stopping us from tackling the articles of impeachment and constituting as an impeachment court.

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