MANILA, Philippines — The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with 23 senators taking their oath as judges and Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano presiding over the proceedings.
The Senate opened the impeachment court during Monday’s session after Cayetano moved to convene the chamber. Sen. Camille Villar administered the oath to Cayetano as presiding officer.
Cayetano then ordered the issuance of a writ of summons directing Duterte to respond to the articles of impeachment within a nonextendible period of 10 days from receipt.
“The court, having been organized and the articles of impeachment having been presented, let a writ of summons be issued to Vice President Sara Duterte,” Cayetano announced during the proceedings.
The Senate also directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to serve Duterte with the summons and copies of the impeachment articles. Under the court’s rules, House prosecutors will have five days to file a reply after Duterte submits her answer.
Senators appeared in maroon impeachment robes during the session. Sen. Ronald dela Rosa was absent from the proceedings.
Duterte’s legal team confirmed it would comply with the Senate order. Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesperson for the Vice President’s impeachment team, said the defense would file the appropriate response in accordance with constitutional procedures and Senate rules.
The Senate clerk of court was also authorized to schedule pretrial proceedings once all pleadings are submitted. Cayetano said the trial proper would begin on a later date to be determined by the impeachment court.
At the House of Representatives, members of the 11-person prosecution panel said they were prepared to present evidence supporting allegations against Duterte, including claims involving misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the prosecution panel would comply with all Senate directives and rulings during the proceedings.
The House impeached Duterte on May 11, and transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate on May 13.
Malacañang said Marcos would not interfere in the impeachment proceedings. Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Senate has the constitutional mandate to conduct the trial and emphasized the principle of separation of powers.