The Senate has rescheduled the House of Representatives’ presentation of impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte from June 2 to June 11, citing a need to prioritize key legislative and administrative matters before Congress adjourns.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, in a letter to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, explained that both legislative chambers must focus on finalizing priority bills aligned with the administration’s agenda. The 19th Congress is set to adjourn sine die on June 14.
Escudero noted the limited number of remaining session days—only six—making it necessary to concentrate efforts on passing essential measures and confirming over 200 pending presidential appointments.
“Given the tight schedule, our attention must be directed toward finalizing legislative priorities that respond to the public’s needs,” Escudero wrote.
He also referred to the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, where lawmakers and executive officials agreed to expedite the passage of several priority measures before adjournment.
Among the key bills targeted for passage are:
Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act
E-Governance Act
Open Access in Data Transmission (Konektadong Pinoy)
Mining Fiscal Regime Rationalization
Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act
Creation of the Virology Institute of the Philippines
Government Optimization Act
Reforms to the Right-of-Way Act
Law fixing terms of Barangay and SK officials
Judicial Fiscal Autonomy
Tax on Denatured Alcohol
Anti-POGO Legislation
Additionally, Escudero pointed out that the Commission on Appointments must still review the nominations of three Cabinet members, four constitutional commission officials, 39 foreign service officers, and 277 military officials.
Due to these priorities, the Senate deemed it necessary to delay the impeachment proceedings to accommodate more urgent national concerns.
