By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has questioned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision not to call a Senate special session for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Drilon argued that delaying the proceedings until after the elections serves a strategic purpose by shielding the decision from political pressure.

“I suspect that the reason why the president is not calling for a special session is political,” Drilon said during a press conference on Thursday, March 7. “It doesn’t make much sense to conduct the impeachment trial before the elections.”

He explained that holding the trial before the elections would expose senators to significant political pressure, potentially influencing their decisions beyond the merits of the case.

“All these senators are subject to pressure from all sides,” he said. “Whoever has the greatest influence will likely get the results they want.”

Drilon expressed confidence that the current administration would ensure the impeachment trial takes place after the elections.

He added that holding the trial before the elections would put the Filipino people at a disadvantage, as the court’s decision may not necessarily reflect the evidence presented.

“Instead, it reflects the political pressure and considerations that influence each senator-judge’s decision,” he said.

Drilon also emphasized that the president’s power to call a special session is absolute, meaning incumbent senators do not need to request one.

“No amount of petitions for a special session would affect the president’s authority to call one,” he said.

The Senate cannot proceed with Duterte’s impeachment trial because it is currently in recess until June 2, 2025. The Senate cannot convene as an impeachment court without being in session to swear in the senator-judges.

Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who has served as an impeachment court judge, highlighted the importance of impartiality during the trial.

“As senator-judges, we will just have to look at the evidence,” Pangilinan said. “We will hear all sides. The institution will benefit only if the process is fair and just.”

Meanwhile, senatorial candidate Bam Aquino assured the public of their commitment to fairness in the impeachment trial if elected. Aquino and Pangilinan are running as independent candidates.

“We will do our duty and judge based on the evidence and the rule of law,” Aquino said.

When asked about his previous statement that Duterte’s impeachment is an “issue of politicians” and not ordinary Filipinos, Aquino clarified that his February remarks were misconstrued.

Aquino acknowledged the significance of the impeachment trial but pointed out that Filipinos face more urgent concerns, such as employment, healthcare, education, and inflation.

“The impeachment was a big thing. It shook up the political landscape. But people also need solutions to their everyday problems,” he said.

Aquino stressed that while there is a time to discuss the impeachment, the priority should be addressing the problems of Filipino families.