The designation of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as presiding officer in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte remains under discussion, Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian said on Thursday, stressing that senators have yet to decide who will lead the proceedings.
“I don't want to pre-empt yung presiding officer discussion. Pag-uusapan pa yan ng mga senators,” Gatchalian told reporters.
“Under the rules, it's the Senate President who will preside unless the Senate will decide otherwise. So, I don't want to pre-empt our discussion. So, magkakaroon kami ng discussion dyan,” he added.
Gatchalian made the statement after being asked about remarks made by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who earlier said that senators were considering appointing Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court in the trial against Duterte.
The Senate President declined to comment further on the proposal, saying the matter would first need to be discussed among senators, particularly within the majority bloc.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian also addressed questions regarding the conviction threshold in the impeachment trial, stressing that the Constitution clearly requires a two-thirds vote of all Senate members to convict an impeached official.
“Malinaw ang Constitution. Two-thirds of all members. Very clear ang Constitution diyan,” Gatchalian said during a press briefing on June 18.
He was asked whether senators were considering lowering the voting threshold, amid concerns that some lawmakers could be absent from the proceedings in the coming weeks.
However, Gatchalian maintained that any discussions on the matter would have to involve senators, prosecutors, and other relevant parties, while emphasizing his position on the constitutional requirement.
“As far as I’m concerned, I will uphold what is written in the Constitution,” he said.
Under the Constitution, a two-thirds vote of all Senate members, equivalent to 16 votes, is required to secure a conviction in an impeachment trial.
