A special session may be needed to restore order, address pending matters, and keep the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte moving despite the continuing Senate leadership dispute.
Lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro said she would support a special session if it would help correct matters that may have been overlooked due to the irregularities and commotions surrounding the Senate leadership conflict.
“Para sa bayan, we’re going to do a special session,” Luistro said.
The statement came as the Senate continued to deal with the fallout from its leadership dispute, which has raised questions over trial notices, deadlines, committee authority, and the smooth opening of the impeachment proceedings.
“I’ve been hearing na ito rin ‘yung direction ng Executive because we wanted to correct or do good whatever was overlooked because of all the irregularities and commotions in the Senate,” Luistro explained.
Luistro said she has yet to receive official information on when a special session could be called, but expressed hope that the new majority would be given time to settle down and eventually reach a working arrangement with the old leadership.
“I don’t know yet. Wala pa tayong official information,” she noted.
The lead prosecutor said the priority should be to allow institutions to move forward, especially with the constitutional process already nearing the stage where pretrial preparations are expected to begin.
“Siguro let’s give time to the new majority to settle themselves and hopefully magkasundo rin sila along with the old leadership para maka-move forward ang lahat,” Luistro added.
The Senate turmoil has placed the chamber under intense public scrutiny, with the leadership struggle marked by competing claims of authority and disruptions that could affect the impeachment process.
“Ang dami na ng ating nasaksihang, what I mean the issues surrounding the change of leadership, the commotions most especially that are happening in Senate. Dati may habulan at saka takbuhan,” Luistro said.
Despite the disruptions, the impeachment trial is being pushed to remain on track, with public institutions expected to correct lapses, restore order, and proceed with their constitutional duties to the Filipino people.