MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is gearing up to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, having constituted itself as an impeachment court ahead of its formal convening on Wednesday, June 11.
Senate President Francis Escudero, who took his oath on Monday as presiding officer of the impeachment court, explained that the body is now officially constituted, though the proceedings have not yet started.
“Once you convene it, you’ve already struck the gavel. Constituted means it has been formally created. It’s considered constituted because there’s already a presiding officer, even if the members haven’t formally assumed their roles yet,” Escudero told reporters.
“It’s like us now — the Senate is already constituted, but we haven’t convened yet. That will happen later this afternoon,” he added, referring to their regular session.
On Tuesday afternoon, Escudero is expected to swear in the remaining 22 senators, who will act as judges during the trial.
Despite questions about procedure, Escudero dismissed any legal concerns about the Senate being constituted before formally convening, calling it a “very trivial matter.”
“There’s no technicality. If you’re asking whether someone will bring this to the Supreme Court to question it on a technicality that could possibly stop the impeachment, I don’t think so,” he said.
Once convened, the Senate will officially begin its role as the impeachment court. The House of Representatives’ panel of prosecutors is set to formally present the Articles of Impeachment in what Escudero described as a “ceremonial” session.
The original plan was to present the charges to trigger the court’s convening, but the Senate instead decided on Monday to refer the articles to the committee on rules before proceeding.
Following the formal convening, the impeachment court will take over responsibilities such as setting the trial schedule, issuing summons, and handling pre-trial matters.
The process follows months of delay since the House transmitted the Articles of Impeachment on February 5. Over 200 lawmakers voted to impeach Duterte, citing several allegations:
The supposed misuse of confidential funds from her office and the Department of Education, where she previously served as secretary;
Alleged assassination threats against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez;
And accusations of failing to fully declare her assets and properties in her official Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
The trial is expected to attract significant national attention as the Senate moves forward with the historic proceedings.
