The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
Twenty-three senators attended the plenary session wearing maroon robes as they took their oath as senator-judges days after receiving the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was absent from the session as he continues to face an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Senator Camille Villar, the youngest member of the Senate, administered the oath to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano as presiding officer of the impeachment court. Cayetano later swore in the senators as judges.
“For the record, Resolution No. 39 or the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trial should continue to apply. We further note that Rule 6, which therefore provides that the provisions of the Rules of the Senate and the revised Rules of Court shall apply suppletorily whenever applicable,” Cayetano said.
The convening of the impeachment court came amid reports of another possible leadership change in the Senate targeting Cayetano, who replaced former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III last week.
After formally opening the impeachment court, Cayetano announced that a writ of summons would be issued against Duterte requiring her to respond within 10 calendar days without extension.
“The Sergeant-at-Arms is directed to serve the written summons on Vice President Sara along with a copy of the Articles of Impeachment,” Cayetano said.
Under the rules, the prosecution panel may file its reply within five days from receiving Duterte’s response.
“The parties may file their pleadings and annexes in person or through email. All other pleadings, motions similar intended for the consideration of this court may be filed electronically,” Cayetano added.
New Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III later clarified whether the period referred to working days or calendar days.
“The Clerk of Court is hereby authorized to calendar the case for pre-trial and issue the corresponding notices to the parties after the last pleading is filed,” Cayetano said.
“Upon conclusion of the pretrial, the trial proper shall commence on a date and time fixed by the court of which the parties shall be duly notified,” he added.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11 through a 257-25 vote over allegations including graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.
