MANILA — Reports naming Senate President Francis Escudero as the likely presiding officer in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte remain premature, according to the senator.
Escudero said the impeachment court itself will decide who will preside once trial proceedings formally open on July 6, adding that current discussions are based on speculation rather than any official action.
The issue gained attention after Sen. Panfilo Lacson disclosed that a majority of senators had expressed support for Escudero during a caucus earlier this month. Still, Lacson said the position could change before the trial starts.
Under amended Senate impeachment rules approved on June 3, senators may designate someone other than the Senate president to oversee impeachment proceedings, except in cases involving the president.
Escudero said observers may be looking at the Senate’s small pool of lawyer-legislators as potential candidates for the role. Nevertheless, he underscored that the credibility of the trial depends on both actual and perceived impartiality.
He further explained that senators serving as judges remain subject to legal processes and investigations, noting that any senator under suspension would be barred from participating in impeachment proceedings during that period.
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