President Marcos has stated he is open to calling a special Senate session for Duterte’s impeachment if senators formally request it. This follows the House of Representatives’ decision to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte and the transmission of the complaint to the Senate before the midterm elections.
Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that the Senate must be in session to convene as an impeachment court. However, he noted that special sessions are traditionally called by the President only for urgent legislative matters.
“Of course, when a special session is called, whether we agree or not, we will attend,” Escudero told reporters.
Marcos’ Position
Speaking at a news conference, Marcos emphasized that he would call a special session only if senators requested it. “If the Senate President calls me up and says the senators want a special session, then sure. But if they don’t, it means they are not yet ready,” he said.
Despite previously opposing efforts to impeach Duterte, Marcos acknowledged that the process had moved beyond his control. “I tried to stop it, but it didn’t work. So, we follow the process,” he said.
Marcos maintained that he has no formal role in the impeachment process, reiterating that the House serves as prosecutor while the Senate acts as the impeachment court. He dismissed claims that he orchestrated the impeachment effort, saying, “You give me far too much credit.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Former Bayan Muna Representatives Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares urged Escudero to move forward with the impeachment trial without delay. Colmenares suggested that Marcos should call a special session “if only to address the demand of the Filipino people.”
The impeachment case against Duterte includes allegations of misusing confidential funds and conspiring to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Sandro Marcos’ Role
Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, the President’s eldest son, was the first to sign the impeachment complaint. Marcos confirmed that his son consulted him before doing so.
“I told him, ‘The process has begun. It’s your duty now to support that process. Do your duty as a congressman,’” the President said. However, he was surprised to learn that his son was the first to sign the complaint.
Senate to Decide
Senators have not yet requested a special session, Marcos said. The 19th Congress adjourned on Wednesday and will resume on June 2, with a brief session lasting until June 14. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon pointed out that Marcos has the sole prerogative to call a special session, a decision that cannot be challenged even by the Supreme Court.
Speaker Romualdez, in his closing remarks before Congress adjourned, praised the House for standing firm in its decision to impeach Duterte. “We fought against the forces of darkness. We did not retreat from the discipline of evil,” he said, without explicitly naming the Vice President.
The impeachment trial, if it proceeds, could become one of the most politically charged events in recent Philippine history, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of the 2025 elections.
