MANILA, Philippines — The Senate officially sat as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, in a procedural step that advances but does not yet activate the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator-judges were sworn in during the opening of the impeachment court session, following the House of Representatives’ transmission of the articles of impeachment.
While the move signals that the constitutional process is underway, it remains largely preparatory. The court will first allow both prosecution and defense panels to file pleadings and prepare evidence before any formal trial begins.
The Constitution provides flexibility on timing, stating only that the Senate must proceed “within a reasonable time,” leaving much discretion to the chamber.
The impeachment case involves allegations of misuse of confidential funds and betrayal of public trust. Duterte has denied wrongdoing.
The Senate’s political landscape remains fluid, with Alan Peter Cayetano maintaining the presidency of the chamber following a recent leadership realignment involving blocs aligned with Duterte allies such as Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, and Imee Marcos.
ia/xf
