Manila: The Senate does not require a special session to convene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a member of the House of Representatives prosecution panel stated. San Juan Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora emphasized that the Constitution mandates the impeachment trial to proceed without delay.

According to Philippines News Agency, Zamora explained that the Senate is constitutionally designated to act as an impeachment court even during recess, thereby eliminating the need for the President to call a special session. Zamora stated, “As to that, we don’t need a special session because the Constitution is clear that trial shall forthwith proceed. For us, the Senate is already the impeachment court even if it is on recess.”

Zamora also supported President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to refrain from intervening, citing the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of the government. “The executive is a separate branch of government. Thus, it is right for the President not to call for a special session,” she added.

1-RIDER Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez, another member of the House prosecution team, pointed out that the Palace’s stance on not calling a special session aligns with its earlier statements regarding the impeachment process. “This seems to be consistent with the Palace’s first pronouncements on the possibility of calling for a special session,” Gutierrez mentioned. He reiterated that the responsibility of convening as an impeachment court lies solely with the Senate, as per the Constitution. “But in any case, if we look at the Constitution, this is a responsibility that primarily falls on the Senate. We respectfully and eagerly anticipate the Senate’s action on this matter,” Gutierrez noted.

House Assistant Majority Leader, Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Jil Bongalon, meanwhile, observed that the House has yet to receive a copy of the petition reportedly filed by the Vice President’s camp to challenge the impeachment proceedings. “We have not yet received a copy of the order, but definitely we will comply. We are confident that the Supreme Court will not intervene,” Bongalon stated.