Vice President Sara Duterte addresses the media at the Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City on February 7, 2025, days after the House of Representatives approved her impeachment.

MANILA — Senators questioned the plan to begin Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on August 4, one week after the opening of the 20th Congress’s first regular session.

Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that the proposal must be discussed in plenary to justify the ‘delayed’ reconvening of the impeachment court on August 4, after which senators would vote on it.

Lacson emphasized that whatever decision the 24 senators make, they will comply, but not without expressing or explaining their votes if some choose to do so.

“As a senator-judge, I want to hear or participate in the discussion of any major issue involved in the impeachment process before making a decision because it is a constitutional duty,” added Lacson.

Senator Tito Sotto III also called for the impeachment trial to begin as soon as possible, citing excessive delays.

Meanwhile, Senator Kiko Pangilinan sought clarification on the proposed date, as the Constitution stipulates that there should be no delay in the trial proper itself.

For Senator Bam Aquino, he is ready at any time once the trial begins in August and will ensure that the laws and the welfare of the people prevail.

Earlier, Senator Joel Villanueva stated that the first day of VP Sara’s impeachment trial would be on August 4, one week after President Ferdinand Marcos’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Mandaluyong City serves as a satellite office for the Vice President of the Philippines, providing public services and outreach programs. Established to extend government accessibility, it reflects the OVP’s commitment to grassroots engagement. The Mandaluyong office has been particularly active under recent administrations, focusing on healthcare, education, and disaster relief initiatives.

20th Congress

The **20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union**, held in February 1956, was a pivotal event in Soviet history where Nikita Khrushchev delivered his “Secret Speech,” denouncing Joseph Stalin’s cult of personality and purges. This marked the beginning of **de-Stalinization**, liberalizing Soviet policies and causing shockwaves across global communist movements. The congress significantly influenced Cold War dynamics and reform efforts within the Eastern Bloc.

impeachment court

An impeachment court is a judicial body or legislative process tasked with trying a government official, such as a president or judge, for misconduct (“high crimes and misdemeanors”). Historically rooted in British parliamentary tradition, it was adopted by democracies like the United States, where the Senate serves as the impeachment court for federal officials. The process ensures accountability, with notable examples including the impeachments of U.S. Presidents Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.

Senate

The **Senate** (or **Senate**) typically refers to a governing body, such as the **United States Senate**, one of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, established in 1789 under the Constitution. Historically, the concept dates back to ancient Rome, where the **Roman Senate** served as a key political institution, advising consuls and shaping laws for centuries. Today, senates exist in many countries as upper legislative houses, playing crucial roles in lawmaking and governance.

House of Representatives

The **House of Representatives** is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established in 1789 under the Constitution. It is composed of elected representatives from each state, with seats allocated based on population, and plays a key role in drafting and passing federal legislation. Along with the Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the U.S. government, ensuring a balance of power and representation for American citizens.

State of the Nation Address (SONA)

The **State of the Nation Address (SONA)** is an annual speech delivered by the President of the Philippines to Congress, outlining the government’s achievements, plans, and policy directions. Modeled after the U.S. State of the Union, it is mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and serves as a key platform for leadership accountability and national agenda-setting. The event, held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, is a significant political tradition dating back to the Commonwealth era under President Manuel L. Quezon.

Constitution

The **Constitution** likely refers to a national constitution, such as the **U.S. Constitution**, which was adopted in 1787 and established America’s federal government and legal framework. It is the world’s oldest written national constitution still in use, guaranteeing fundamental rights and outlining the separation of powers. Alternatively, if referring to a place like **USS Constitution** (a historic warship), it is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat, launched in 1797 and famous for its role in the War of 1812.

Let me know if you meant a different “Constitution”!

Senate

The **Senate** (likely referring to the **Roman Senate**) was the governing and advisory council of ancient Rome, established in the early days of the Roman Kingdom (traditionally around 753 BCE). It played a central role in legislation, foreign policy, and administration, evolving from a body of patrician elders to include plebeians, and persisted in some form through the Republic, Empire, and even into the Byzantine era. Today, the term “Senate” (or Senate) is used in many countries to describe a legislative upper house, inspired by Rome’s model.