MANILA – Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will start when a new Congress convenes in July, Senate president Francis Escudero said, ruling out the chances of a special session while lawmakers are on election break.

The Philippines' lower house has impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the daughter of the country's firebrand former president, setting the stage for a rare, high-profile trial in the Senate.

Sara Duterte said that it was too early to consider resigning, which would preempt the impeachment and preserve her ability to run for office in future.