Windows26: Weekend Roundup: VP’s impeachment calendar, Pope Francis’ health update, and more

Hello, reader!

This week, we covered Pope Francis' health update, the proposed calendar for VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, and the collapse of a bridge in Isabela.

This is your Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

IMPEACHMENT UPDATES

Schedule released

Senate President Francis Escudero released the proposed calendar of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, eyeing to start the actual judicial proceeding on July 30. He also said that considering the prosecution and defense would have ample time to prepare for the proceedings, it "would not tolerate any dilatory motion or pleading."

However, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua warned that delaying Duterte's impeachment trial could endanger evidence and witnesses. He said that while they respect Escudero's views on when the impeachment trial should start, they cannot help but express concerns about the risks brought by the delay.

The Makabayan bloc lawmakers also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to call for a special congressional session so that the impeachment proceedings can start. They said the special session would allow the Senate to convene as an impeachment court and move with the proceedings even if on break.

But Malacañang said Marcos believes it is more appropriate to wait for the Senate to request a special session on the impeachment trial of the vice president before calling one himself. "The way we see it, it would be an awkward position on the part of the President to voluntarily call for a special session," PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

HEALTH WATCH

Pope Francis

The Catholic world has been on alert this week as Pope Francis was in critical condition, with blood tests indicating early kidney failure. Recent updates from the Vatican say he is now stable and recovering. Follow INQUIRER.net's health watch coverage of the pope.

INQFOCUS

The Conclave

When a pope steps down or passes away, how would the Church select the next vicar of Christ, who is expected to lead 1.375 billion Catholics in over 3,000 dioceses all over the world? Here's what you need to know about the conclave and the secret process of selecting a new pope.

INQFOCUS

Heart attack, stroke

Heart attacks and strokes are among the most well-known medical conditions in the Philippines, yet they remain the country's leading causes of death. Year after year, they claim countless lives and impose a heavy burden on survivors and their families. Here's a look at the cost of heart attack and stroke in the country.

ON MY RADAR

Must-reads