Senator Bato dela Rosa said that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which was initiated in the 19th Congress, cannot be continued in the 20th Congress. According to him, based on his research and reading, this issue cannot "cross over" to the new Congress.
Although he is not a lawyer, Bato explained, many senators also have the same belief. One of them is Senator Francis Tolentino who gave a clear statement on the issue. He said, each Congress is independent, so whatever was started in the 19th is not obligated to be continued in the 20th.
He added that the Senate must take action once the articles of impeachment are transmitted, but the question is whether there is enough time in the 19th Congress to do so. If not, it will be unfinished business and must be concluded by the end of the current Congress.
Bato clarified that the jurisdiction of the 20th Congress in the case initiated by the 19th is a big question that will surely cause intense debate. For now, Sara Duterte is calling the impeachment crucifixion, while the issue remains hot in the Senate.
