Duterte Impeachment Trial: Legal Battle Ensues Over 20th Congress Continuation

The Philippines is currently facing a political debate surrounding the potential continuation of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial in the upcoming 20th Congress. The debate centers on whether an unfinished trial in the 19th Congress can legally be resumed by its successor. Senator-elect Tito Sotto, a prominent figure, stated, "It needs to be concluded; the Senate rules, based on the Constitution, state that all business must be concluded." However, Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor, an impeachment prosecutor, offers a different perspective, explaining the legal processes involved in transferring the case to a trial court, asserting that the case would continue even if judges changed. This highlights the complexity of the legal arguments and the significant implications for the political landscape. The House prosecutors will present the articles of impeachment against VP Duterte on June 2nd, with the Senate convening as the impeachment court on June 3rd. This ongoing discussion underscores the importance of understanding the intricacies of the impeachment process and its potential consequences.