Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero announced that the Senate will focus on passing key legislation and confirming numerous government appointments during its final six session days, emphasizing constitutional responsibilities over the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero highlighted in a press briefing that the impeachment trial, scheduled to commence under the 20th Congress on July 28, will not disrupt the chamber’s concentration on pressing legislative and institutional tasks. He stressed the significance of prioritizing measures up for second and third reading, such as bills on rightsizing the bureaucracy, right-of-way reforms for major infrastructure projects, and the proposed fiscal regime for mining.

Escudero warned that once the impeachment proceedings begin, the Senate’s ability to fulfill its legislative duties would be compromised due to the compressed legislative calendar before Congress adjourns sine die. He also pointed out that three out of nine priority measures face contention and may necessitate intensive bicameral conference committee discussions with the House of Representatives, including debates over the Blue Economy Act, the resetting of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, and the Mining Fiscal Regime.

In addition to legislative matters, Escudero noted the necessity for the Senate to address over 300 pending nominations and appointments for positions such as department heads, constitutional commission officials, and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized that these individuals would be unable to fully perform their duties without confirmation.

Escudero reiterated that ultimate decisions on bills, appointments, or procedural matters rest with the Senate plenary, which serves as the supreme decision-making body. The 19th Congress is set to adjourn on June 14.