SENATE President Francis Escudero said that the Senate can convene and conduct impeachment proceedings even while Congress is on a break.
There are only six days left before lawmakers take their Christmas break, while there are 24 session days next year before the recess to make way for the 2025 midterm elections.
Escudero said that it is possible to conduct impeachment proceedings even while Congress is on a break because the process is not a regular session.
The Senate chief said that since less than 1/3 of the House has endorsed the two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, it will first go through the impeachment hearing process in the lower House before reaching the Senate.
The impeachment complaint is referred to the House Committee on Justice, which will determine whether the complaint is sufficient in form and substance.
Prosecutors from the House of Representatives will present the case before the Senate. The impeached official is afforded the right to counsel and due process.
After hearing the evidence and arguments, the Senate will deliberate and render its judgment.
A conviction requires a two-thirds vote of all members of the Senate. If convicted, the impeached official is removed from office.
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