The Senate has yet to finalize the proposed timetable for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero confirmed Monday. He explained that all proposals regarding the trial schedule would be discussed and voted on once the plenary session resumes on 2 June.

"Whatever we agree upon and decide, it will be proposed in the plenary. All of these will be subjected to the approval of the plenary as the Senate and the impeachment court when it comes to the schedule," Escudero told reporters during a press briefing in a mix of English and Filipino.

Escudero also welcomed Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III’s willingness to assist in drafting the impeachment trial rules.

"It no longer matters who will lead here, but any help will be accepted. Our office, along with the Senate's legal team, will coordinate with him regarding his ideas on the rules," he said.

The Senate president noted that Pimentel has yet to comment on the proposed timetable, emphasizing that it remains a draft subject to deliberation once Congress reconvenes.

Last month, Escudero released an initial schedule outlining key dates for the impeachment proceedings. The proposed timeline includes the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment, the approval of revised rules on impeachment trials on 2 June, and the convening of the impeachment court on 3 June. The reception of pleadings is set for June 4, while the pre-trial phase is scheduled from 24 June to 25 July 2025.

The 20th Congress will open on 28 July with a joint session for the President’s State of the Nation Address, followed by the oath-taking of newly elected senator-judges on 29 July. The impeachment trial is expected to commence on 30 July, running from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Citing Senate policy, Escudero said the Rules Committee is responsible for drafting the impeachment trial rules.

"Because he [Pimentel] will defend it on the floor, he is being assisted by the Senate's legal team in providing proposals for discussion in the plenary. The Committee on Rules will present the final draft," he explained.

He added that the impeachment court, rather than the Senate sitting in plenary, will have the final authority to approve the trial calendar.

"The calendar will not be approved by the senate seating in plenary, the calendar will have to be approved by the impeachment court although it’s the same composition," Escudero clarified.

Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing its response to the Supreme Court's directive to comment on petitions seeking immediate action on Duterte’s impeachment.

"We expect to file it in the near future, most likely this week," he said.