The Malacañang backs Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s election as presiding officer of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, even as a Supreme Court challenge is pending. According to reports, a group of lawyers led by Israelito Torreon—described as allied with Duterte—asks the Supreme Court to halt the proceedings. In their petition, filed as a “Very Urgent Manifestation with Motion,” they seek a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order to prevent the trial from moving forward under Escudero’s authority.
The petitioners argue that Escudero’s authority as presiding officer is constitutionally infirm and that electing him as presiding officer risks the validity of the impeachment proceedings. They also cite an amended set of rules governing impeachment trials, saying the change affects who may preside over such cases.
Meanwhile, Malacañang states it understands Escudero’s selection to be consistent with the Constitution. The dispute centers on whether Escudero’s presiding role can be maintained while the Supreme Court considers the petition challenging his authority.
