00:00Senate President Francis Escudero insisted that he is not interested in becoming the Vice President.
00:05The Senate leader announced this in front of the heated discussion in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte that may be held in October.
00:15Daniel Manalasta is in the center of the news.
00:18Senate President Francis Escudero insisted that he is not interested in becoming the Vice President for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
00:30Second, according to the Constitution, the Senate President can only call for a special session if he pleads with the Majority Leader and he agrees,
00:45with the Minority Leader and he agrees, and with Speaker Martin and he agrees, but for one reason only, urgent legislation.
00:55Impeachment is not urgent legislation.
00:59Escudero also denied the possibility that he will replace VP if VP Sara leaves office.
01:07In fact, he's already thinking of not running in 2028, even if he has a chance to be re-elected as a senator.
01:15I'm not interested in becoming the Vice President.
01:17It's disgusting.
01:19We will make the decision.
01:21I'm interested and I want it.
01:25Even now, I'm saying that I'm not interested and I will refuse it even if it's imposed on me.
01:30It's not right and it should not be done.
01:34Escudero's estimate is that in October this year, they will vote, including impeachment.
01:39Because of that, I promise that the trial will last for more than two months.
01:45So, we will recess the test by October of 2025 and then we will vote.
01:53Immediately, make a pre-trial.
01:56If the pre-trial is successful, the proceedings will be more effective.
02:01Malacanang also clarified that the Senate should request President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
02:07to have a special session to rank the impeachment trial.
02:11It's not good to see if the President himself will call for a special session in the Senate,
02:18especially if he has issues behind the impeachment.
02:21But if you will look and read the provisions of the Constitution,
02:26you will see to forthwith proceed, alright?
02:30Pero wala pong makikitang time element.
02:32Is it to forthwith proceed even during recess?
02:38Because they can proceed definitely if there is session.
02:43There's no question about that.
02:45But to proceed during recess, grey area po yan sa Constitution.
02:50Daniel Manalastas for Pambansang TV in Bagong, Philippines.
