HOUSE prosecutor Rep. Joel Chua of Manila expressed approval on Thursday following Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s issuance of Special Order No. 2025-015, which initiates the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The development marks and already sets in motion the impeachment process, Chua said.
“The Senate’s most recent move affirms our commitment to upholding accountability at the highest levels of government,” said Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government. “The House of Representatives, in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment, has fulfilled its constitutional mandate. Now, it is up to the Senate to conduct a fair and impartial trial to determine whether Vice President Duterte should be removed from office.”
Under the 1987 Constitution, the Senate has the sole power to try and decide impeachment cases once the House transmits the Articles of Impeachment. By issuing the special order, the Senate has effectively:
• Set the stage for trial proceedings, including the issuance of summons to all parties involved.
• Established an obligation to conduct hearings, receive evidence, and hear witnesses to determine the merit of the charges.
“The Senate must now proceed in accordance with its impeachment rules. This means the Vice President will have the opportunity to present her defense, and we in the prosecution panel will present our case backed by evidence and witnesses,” Chua added.
The issuance of SO No. 2025-015 removes any ambiguity regarding the Senate’s role in the impeachment process. It reinforces that:
• The case cannot be dismissed arbitrarily without a proper trial.
• Any attempts to delay or derail the process must be addressed within the framework of law.
• The public deserves a fair, transparent, and expeditious resolution to this case.
“We must allow the impeachment process to take its full course. The Senate, acting as an Impeachment Court, has a duty to the Filipino people to ensure that this trial is not only constitutional but also free from political maneuvering,” Chua emphasized.
With the Senate’s organization, Chua expressed confidence that the impeachment trial will now proceed with the seriousness and integrity it demands.
“The impeachment process is not just about an individual; it is about protecting the institutions of our democracy. Our people deserve leaders who uphold public trust, and this trial is a test of our commitment to justice and accountability,” Chua said.
About the Author
