During a radio interview Senator Koko Pimentel addressed key issues surrounding the impending impeachment process, emphasizing a difference in interpretation between himself and Senate President Francis Escudero.
Pimentel revealed that while senators were given advance copies of impeachment-related documents, the official proceedings could not yet begin due to the Senate President’s stance.
“We were given advance copies, possibly for us to react, but nothing has changed in the eyes of the Senate President. He believes that we can only act on the impeachment officially starting June 2, because in his view, we must be in a legislative session,” Pimentel explained. “That’s where we differ.”
He further elaborated that, in his perspective, senators have the authority to convene as an impeachment court separately from a legislative session.
“For us, as senators, we can already call for a session specifically for the impeachment court. But since the Senate President insists that we must be in a legislative session, we cannot move earlier than June 2.”
Addressing the terminology being used in the ongoing discussion, Pimentel also clarified his preference to avoid the phrase “special session,” which he believes is being used to shift the focus of the debate.
“Those who support the first interpretation of the Senate President use the term ‘special session’ to divert the discussion, leading it towards a session that must be called by the President. That’s why I refrain from using that term. Instead, I refer to it as an ‘impeachment court session.’”
Pimentel also acknowledged the suggestion of Undersecretary Claire Castro for him to take the lead in the process, but he declined out of respect for Senate President Escudero.
“Usec. Claire Castro wants me to take the lead, but I will not do that out of respect for the Senate President. He remains the recognized leader of the Senate.”
Lastly, Pimentel disclosed that the Senate has been asked to submit their reactions and feedback on the matter.
“We are expected to send our reactions and feedback to the Senate President. I already have my observations, particularly regarding the public reading of the articles by the prosecutor.”
As the impeachment process looms, the Senate remains divided on procedural matters, with debates on the appropriate timing and framework for the proceedings continuing to unfold.