Vice President Sara Duterte, speaks to the members of the media and answer questions during Press Conference at OVP Central Office, Mandaluyong City on Friday, February 7, 2025. (Arnel Tacson, INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares on Sunday urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to call for a special session of Congress in February to allow the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Bayan Muna demands that Pres. Marcos faithfully implement the Constitution for the impeachment trial to “proceed forthwith” by calling for a special session before the end of February so that the Impeachment Court can start by March,” Colmenares said. 

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Colmenares warned that if the Senate waits until its regular session on June 2, it will be difficult to complete the trial within the limited legislative calendar.

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“The Senate impeachment court has to be set up immediately as it would be very difficult for it to finish the trial if it starts hearings after June 2, 2025,” Colmenares said in a statement.

He pointed out that Congress only has until June 16 to hold sessions before its next regular session begins in July, leaving just 12 days for the Senate to conduct the impeachment trial.

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“While the impeachment court may hold hearings even if Congress is not in session, it will still be difficult for it to finish trial before June 30,” Colmenares explained.

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He cited that under the Senate impeachment rules, Duterte has 10 days from the receipt of the impeachment complaint to file her answer, which means the earliest possible start for hearings would only be after June 13.

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Given the circumstances, Colmenares called on Marcos to exercise hisCconstitutional power to convene a special session, arguing that the impeachment trial should “proceed forthwith” as required under Article XI, Section 3(4) of the Constitution.

“President Marcos has the power under Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution, which provides that ‘The President may call a special session at any time,’” Colmenares further emphasized.

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He added that the Senate has the discretion to hold impeachment hearings even outside regular session days, and urged senators to prioritize their constitutional duty over political considerations.

“It can schedule the hearings at any time that there is a quorum starting March should some senators refuse to attend the impeachment trial for fear of losing votes in Duterte bailiwicks,” Colmenares said, noting that at least 12 incumbent senators are not running in the 2025 elections.

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“If the Senate really wants to fulfill its constitutional duty, it should also request the president to call for a special session8k8,” he added.

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