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Escudero Elected To Preside Over Sara Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: Senate PH
Sen. Francis Escudero was elected to preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday after securing a 12-8 vote from the senator-judges, resolving a procedural dispute over who should lead the proceedings.
The issue arose shortly after the Senate convened as an impeachment court, with some senator-judges questioning whether the court should first elect its presiding officer or automatically recognize one based on Senate practice.
After deliberations, the senator-judges voted to elect Escudero, who received 12 votes in his favor against eight who backed an alternative proposal.
Following his election, Escudero formally assumed the gavel and reminded both the prosecution and the defense that the Constitution sets a high threshold for conviction in an impeachment case.
"The threshold is intentionally high. It protects against political passions and ensures that removal from office happens only when supported by overwhelming evidence and consensus."
Escudero emphasized that at least 16 affirmative votes, or two-thirds of the Senate's 24 members, are required to convict an impeachable official. He said the high constitutional threshold is intended to ensure that any decision to remove a public official is based on overwhelming evidence and broad consensus rather than political considerations.
He also urged both parties to focus on presenting evidence and legal arguments, stressing that the Senate's role is to conduct a fair and impartial trial in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
The Senate then proceeded with the opening day of Duterte's impeachment trial. The Vice President was represented by her legal team during the proceedings, while House prosecutors began outlining the framework of their case.
Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that include culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, unexplained wealth, and the alleged misuse of confidential funds. She has denied all allegations, maintaining that the impeachment complaint is politically motivated.
Under the 1987 Constitution, a conviction requires the votes of at least 16 senators. If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently disqualified from holding any public office. If the prosecution fails to obtain the required votes, she will be acquitted and remain Vice President.
The issue arose shortly after the Senate convened as an impeachment court, with some senator-judges questioning whether the court should first elect its presiding officer or automatically recognize one based on Senate practice.
After deliberations, the senator-judges voted to elect Escudero, who received 12 votes in his favor against eight who backed an alternative proposal.
Following his election, Escudero formally assumed the gavel and reminded both the prosecution and the defense that the Constitution sets a high threshold for conviction in an impeachment case.
"The threshold is intentionally high. It protects against political passions and ensures that removal from office happens only when supported by overwhelming evidence and consensus."
Escudero emphasized that at least 16 affirmative votes, or two-thirds of the Senate's 24 members, are required to convict an impeachable official. He said the high constitutional threshold is intended to ensure that any decision to remove a public official is based on overwhelming evidence and broad consensus rather than political considerations.
He also urged both parties to focus on presenting evidence and legal arguments, stressing that the Senate's role is to conduct a fair and impartial trial in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
The Senate then proceeded with the opening day of Duterte's impeachment trial. The Vice President was represented by her legal team during the proceedings, while House prosecutors began outlining the framework of their case.
Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that include culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, unexplained wealth, and the alleged misuse of confidential funds. She has denied all allegations, maintaining that the impeachment complaint is politically motivated.
Under the 1987 Constitution, a conviction requires the votes of at least 16 senators. If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently disqualified from holding any public office. If the prosecution fails to obtain the required votes, she will be acquitted and remain Vice President.
Jul 6, 2026
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