Noted jurist and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has weighed in on the contentious issue of convening the Senate as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte. In a recent statement, Carpio clarified that holding an impeachment trial during a session break is not inherently illegal.
Carpio’s assertion comes amidst controversy sparked by Senate President Francis Escudero, who claimed that the Senate should not convene as an impeachment court while on session break. However, Carpio, known for his expertise in constitutional law, pointed out that the Constitution does not explicitly prohibit such a scenario.
In a detailed explanation, Carpio noted that the Constitution grants the Senate the authority to decide on its own rules and procedures, including convening as an impeachment court. While there may be practical considerations involved, Carpio emphasized that these do not render the process illegal.
Carpio’s intervention has shed light on the legal nuances surrounding the Senate’s role in the impeachment trial. As a respected voice in Philippine jurisprudence, his insight serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering to constitutional principles in high-stakes proceedings.