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Escudero Calls Out House Prosecution For 'Hardheadedness' In VP Sara Impeachment Case
Screengrab from Senate PH
Senate President and Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero did not mince words during a press briefing as he described the House prosecution panel as “matigas ang ulo” (hardheaded) following their actions related to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero’s frustration came after continued resistance from the House prosecution to accept several procedural requirements, including the entry of appearance and other court submissions from the Vice President’s legal team. According to him, the impeachment court had issued two main directives to the House, one of which the 19th Congress could fulfill, while the other required a continued effort from the 20th Congress.
“Dalawa yung compliance na hinihingi ng impeachment court sa Kamara,” Escudero explained. “Yung isa, pwedeng ibigay ng 19th Congress; yung pangalawa, ‘yung kagustuhan nilang ipagpatuloy pa rin ang kaso sa 20th.”
When asked what would happen if the House fails to comply with all the court’s directives, Escudero responded with pointed skepticism.
“Sa tigas ng ulo nila, ayaw tumanggap ng pleading—hindi na ako magugulat kung ituloy pa nila ‘yan. Biro mo, pagtanggap lang ng order, ng pleading, ng answer, ng appearance—pati ‘yon pinapahirapan?” he said. “So hindi na ako magugulat, pero magkikita-kita rin kami sa tamang panahon kaugnay sa mga ginagawa nila.”
Despite the tension between the two chambers, the Senate is preparing for the possibility of voting on key motions related to the impeachment case. Escudero clarified that while convicting or acquitting a public official requires a two-thirds vote, all other motions, including dismissal, need only a simple majority.
“Simple majority ang kinakailangan sa lahat ng botohan,” Escudero said. “Two-thirds is only needed to convict or acquit. Pero kung may simple majority ka to dismiss, eh ‘di malinaw—wala kang two-thirds to convict. So it begs the question: kung malinaw nang walang two-thirds, bakit mo pa itutuloy?”
House Spokesperson Princess Abante, however, defended the prosecution panel against Escudero’s criticisms. According to her, there was no deliberate effort to hinder the process.
“Hindi naman sinabi kung entry of appearance ito o para saan,” Abante said. “Wala naman kaming tinatanggihan, wala rin kaming pinahihirapan. Ang gusto lang natin ay isang trial na magaganap, forthwith.”
The Senate impeachment court may soon face a critical decision: whether to allow the case to proceed or to dismiss it outright. Either way, tensions between the Senate and House are showing no signs of easing, with both sides standing firm on their interpretations of due process and procedural integrity.
Escudero’s frustration came after continued resistance from the House prosecution to accept several procedural requirements, including the entry of appearance and other court submissions from the Vice President’s legal team. According to him, the impeachment court had issued two main directives to the House, one of which the 19th Congress could fulfill, while the other required a continued effort from the 20th Congress.
“Dalawa yung compliance na hinihingi ng impeachment court sa Kamara,” Escudero explained. “Yung isa, pwedeng ibigay ng 19th Congress; yung pangalawa, ‘yung kagustuhan nilang ipagpatuloy pa rin ang kaso sa 20th.”
When asked what would happen if the House fails to comply with all the court’s directives, Escudero responded with pointed skepticism.
“Sa tigas ng ulo nila, ayaw tumanggap ng pleading—hindi na ako magugulat kung ituloy pa nila ‘yan. Biro mo, pagtanggap lang ng order, ng pleading, ng answer, ng appearance—pati ‘yon pinapahirapan?” he said. “So hindi na ako magugulat, pero magkikita-kita rin kami sa tamang panahon kaugnay sa mga ginagawa nila.”
Despite the tension between the two chambers, the Senate is preparing for the possibility of voting on key motions related to the impeachment case. Escudero clarified that while convicting or acquitting a public official requires a two-thirds vote, all other motions, including dismissal, need only a simple majority.
“Simple majority ang kinakailangan sa lahat ng botohan,” Escudero said. “Two-thirds is only needed to convict or acquit. Pero kung may simple majority ka to dismiss, eh ‘di malinaw—wala kang two-thirds to convict. So it begs the question: kung malinaw nang walang two-thirds, bakit mo pa itutuloy?”
House Spokesperson Princess Abante, however, defended the prosecution panel against Escudero’s criticisms. According to her, there was no deliberate effort to hinder the process.
“Hindi naman sinabi kung entry of appearance ito o para saan,” Abante said. “Wala naman kaming tinatanggihan, wala rin kaming pinahihirapan. Ang gusto lang natin ay isang trial na magaganap, forthwith.”
The Senate impeachment court may soon face a critical decision: whether to allow the case to proceed or to dismiss it outright. Either way, tensions between the Senate and House are showing no signs of easing, with both sides standing firm on their interpretations of due process and procedural integrity.
Jun 25, 2025
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