The Senate leadership is anticipating resistance from the minority bloc once the House of Representatives formally transmits the Articles of Impeachment to the upper chamber, including possible objections to the convening of the Senate as an impeachment court.
Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson made the remark during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum, following Senator Robin Padilla’s earlier statement that the minority’s role is to oppose most initiatives, including proceedings related to impeachment.
“Ine-expect na namin yun. Even yung convening of the Senate as an impeachment court, o-object-an yun. Expected na yun kasi nag-express na sila,” Lacson said, noting that resistance has already been signaled even before formal proceedings begin.
He also pointed out that questions on the sufficiency of the impeachment articles could be raised early on, potentially delaying or complicating the process.
“Di ba sinabi, wala pa man yung impeachment… hindi pa nag-i-start ang process, ku-kwestiyunin na yung basis ng articles,” he added.
Lacson said that once the impeachment articles reach the Senate, the chamber, which will be acting in its legislative capacity, would still have to vote on whether to convene as an impeachment court. He did not rule out the possibility that the Senate may ultimately decide not to proceed.
“That’s a possibility kasi nga 24-member court ito. Kung ano yung sabi ng majority, yun ang ruling… divide the house lagi. Kung matalo sa botohan, paano magko-convene?” he said.
He stressed that any decision not to convene would fall on those who vote against it, and that they would have to explain such a position to the public.
“Kung ganon mangyari, it’s on them na sila yung sumagot sa taongbayan kung bakit ayaw mag-convene. Yung minority na talo sa botohan, wala namang magagawa yun,” Lacson said.
If the Senate votes to proceed, Lacson said the impeachment trial could continue even during Congress’ scheduled sine die adjournment from June 5 to July 26, citing the Senate’s separate constitutional role when sitting as an impeachment court.
He explained that pre-trial activities could begin in advance, with formal trial proceedings likely to start in the first week of July.
“Maski naka-break, pwede mag-proceed yung trial kasi independent naman ang Senate. Hindi saklaw ng sine die yung impeachment court. That’s a different animal,” he said. “Ang sakop ng sine die yung Congress, but not the impeachment court.”
Lacson emphasized that while the impeachment court is composed of senators, its function is distinct from ordinary legislative work, allowing proceedings to continue even during congressional recess.