The Senate formally opened the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, ending a nearly eight-week legislative recess as senators resume plenary sessions, take up pending legislative measures, and continue the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the opening session, senators convened in plenary, after which they proceeded to the Batasang Pambansa Complex for the joint session of Congress, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
With Congress back in session, senators are expected to take up pending bills, resolutions, committee reports, appointments, and other legislative measures before the chamber.
The Senate will also continue hearing the impeachment case against Duterte, although proceedings will resume only on Wednesday, July 29, following adjustments to the trial schedule.
“Senator-judges agreed during a caucus to suspend trial proceedings on Monday, July 27, due to President Marcos’ SONA, and on Tuesday, July 28, to allow minority senators to prepare for and deliver the traditional Kontra-SONA.”
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero said senator-judges agreed during a caucus to suspend trial proceedings on Monday, July 27, due to President Marcos’ SONA, and on Tuesday, July 28, to allow minority senators to prepare for and deliver the traditional Kontra-SONA.
Escudero said the impeachment trial will resume on Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Senate plenary session set to begin at 4 p.m.
“Beginning in August, impeachment proceedings will generally be held from Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
The veteran legislator added that, beginning in August, impeachment proceedings will generally be held from Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., before the chamber convenes for its regular legislative session.
The Senate adjourned its last plenary session on June 3 for the legislative recess during which, the senators continued conducting committee hearings, oversight activities, and other legislative work.
