Manila: Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has affirmed that the Senate possesses a solid legal foundation to proceed with an impeachment complaint without the necessity of a special session called by the President.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pimentel made his remarks during the Kapihan sa Senado forum, emphasizing that both the Constitution and Senate rules provide the chamber with the independence to convene and process the Articles of Impeachment. He addressed Senate President Francis Escudero’s previous statement that Congress could only convene a special session through a presidential call, clarifying that this restriction does not apply to impeachment proceedings.

Pimentel stated that after thorough examination, it was concluded that the Senate has a robust legal basis to address the impeachment complaint. He explained that as an impeachment court, the Senate does not require a special session convened by the President, which would involve both chambers of Congress. Pimentel pointed out that the House of Representatives has already completed its constitutional responsibility by transmitting the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.

He further stressed the Senate’s obligation to act promptly as mandated by the Constitution, asserting that its functioning should not be dependent on the actions of external figures, including the President. Pimentel questioned the logic behind the Senate’s obligation being contingent on the actions of an individual outside the Senate.

While acknowledging that the official convening of a session falls under the purview of the Senate President, Pimentel suggested that public sentiment could influence the leadership to act swiftly. He highlighted that public pressure might reflect the correct interpretation of the Constitution.

The discussion arises amid debates regarding the constitutional process for handling impeachment cases and whether executive intervention is necessary before the Senate can proceed. Pimentel recently communicated with Escudero, urging him to act promptly on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, based on Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that once the House transmits impeachment articles, the Senate trial should proceed without delay.