A group of lawyers allied with the Duterte family files a petition before the Supreme Court challenging Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s authority to preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. In a 16-page “Very Urgent Manifestation with Motion,” Israelito Torreon and eight other lawyers ask the court to issue a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order to halt the proceedings. They argue that Escudero’s selection as presiding officer could affect the validity of the impeachment trial, citing concerns related to amendments to the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.
The petition seeks judicial intervention before the impeachment process advances further, characterizing the issue as one that requires urgent relief to preserve the integrity of the trial. The filing is presented as a challenge to the presiding officer’s legal authority, rather than the impeachment allegations themselves. The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, which has not yet issued a ruling based on the information provided by the sources.
