Philippine VP Duterte asks SC to pause impeachment trial

Lawyers for Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte have petitioned the Supreme Court to halt her impeachment trial, arguing the proceedings are being conducted by a presiding officer whose authority is constitutionally flawed. The legal challenge was filed on July 6, the same day the Senate formally opened the trial, and seeks an immediate order to stop the hearings while the high court resolves the dispute.

The core issue is the election of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero as presiding officer. On July 6, 12 of the 21 senators present voted for Escudero to preside over the trial, which does not involve the president. Duterte's legal team contends this election was based on a Senate rule amendment adopted on June 3 that they claim is invalid. They argue the June 3 session lacked a quorum, with only 12 of 24 senators recorded present, failed to provide required advance notice for amending rules, and was conducted by the Senate in its ordinary legislative capacity rather than as the already-constituted impeachment court.

The petitioners assert that the constitutional framers intended the Senate President to preside over all impeachment trials except those involving the president,...