The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal charges against the Vice President, but Sara Duterte’s impeachment process in the Senate remains unaffected, according to Senate President Chiz Escudero.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Escudero made it clear that the two legal battles are separate and may even take place at the same time.
“This will not affect the impending impeachment proceedings. This has no bearing on that,” Escudero said. “In fact, it can happen before or after. It has no bearing on the impeachment proceedings to be conducted by the Senate.”
Different Evidence, Different Process
Escudero also emphasized that the evidence presented in court for the criminal charges will not be the same as those used in the impeachment trial.
“The Senate will not collect this evidence. An impeachment court is a passive body,” he explained. “We won’t do anything. This is not like a regular Senate investigation where we can issue a subpoena for certain documents or witnesses to appear.”
The criminal charges stem from Duterte’s previous remarks, where she allegedly said she hired someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were to die first.
On February 7, Duterte denied making any assassination threats.
“I did not make an assassination threat to the President. They’re the only ones saying that,” she said.
The alleged threat is also included in the Articles of Impeachment filed against her.
Lawmaker Raises Security Concerns
Meanwhile, House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre warned that the delay in Duterte’s impeachment trial could put President Marcos’ life at risk.
“We are not dealing with an ordinary elected official here,” Acidre said on Wednesday. “The Vice President has a history of brash and violent tendencies. She has made direct threats before, and we would be foolish to ignore the possibility that she may act on them.”
He added that this case is not just about legal processes but also about keeping the country safe.
“This is about keeping the country stable and protecting its leaders,” he said.
Acidre also pointed out that Duterte’s previous actions show a pattern of aggressive and reckless behavior.
“The Vice President’s past behavior, including her infamous public outbursts and use of force, should not be dismissed,” he said.
Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial Cannot Proceed Yet, Says Escudero
While some lawmakers want the impeachment trial to start as soon as possible, Escudero said it legally cannot be done right now.
He explained that the impeachment complaint was not referred to the plenary, which is required before the Senate can act as an impeachment court.
“For an impeachment court to be convened, there has to be an ongoing session in the Senate,” Escudero said. “Senators must take their oaths as impeachment judges, and this can only happen when sessions resume.”
According to him, the process will officially begin on June 2, after the midterm elections.
A Growing Political Storm
The impeachment complaint against Duterte is gaining support. On February 5, the House of Representatives confirmed that 215 lawmakers had signed the fourth impeachment complaint against her.
Before this, three separate complaints were filed in December. These accused Duterte of:
- Misusing millions of pesos in confidential funds
- Failing to explain how the money was spent
- Trying to cover up the alleged misuse when questioned
With multiple cases building up, Duterte’s political future remains uncertain. Whether it’s the Senate’s impeachment process or the criminal case filed by the NBI, these legal battles will determine what happens next.
For now, the country waits.
