Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday warned the House of Representatives against pushing for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that doing so outside the bounds of proper procedure could ultimately strengthen her position to challenge the legal process.

In an interview with dzBB, Escudero underscored that the impeachment proceedings must strictly follow constitutional and legal guidelines.

He reiterated that the Senate cannot issue summons to Duterte until the impeachment court has been formally convened — a step that cannot take place until the Senate resumes session on 2 June.

“In their haste, they may actually be giving the Vice President more ammunition to question the process. The more they rush it, the longer it could take. It’s better to follow the law — whoever it may favor at the moment,” Escudero said.

“The presentation of the articles of impeachment will happen in the Senate plenary. That will serve as the signal for us to convene the impeachment court after approving the rules,” Escudero explained in Filipino. “Only after we have convened as an impeachment court can we issue summons.”

Escudero also dismissed the possibility of calling a special session to expedite the process, pointing out that only President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the authority to do so.

“As far as I know, the President has no plans to call for a special session,” he said.

His statements came after the House prosecution team filed a motion requesting the Senate to issue summons to Duterte during the congressional session break. Escudero rejected the motion on Wednesday, clarifying that the request was premature and that due process must be observed.

“It cannot legally be done. This is not allowed because the Senate is not in session,” Escudero said in a forum.

He further noted that the House’s own motion cited impeachment rules, which clearly state that summons can only be issued after the articles of impeachment are presented and the court is convened.