By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The public will be allowed to witness the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte beginning next week, with the Senate setting aside a limited number of seats despite strict security measures and space constraints.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Tuesday that 150 seats inside the Senate session hall will be reserved for guests who wish to observe the historic proceedings when the Senate formally convenes as an impeachment court at 2 p.m. on July 6.
Following an inspection of the Senate session hall, Gatchalian explained that the chamber’s available space is extremely limited after accommodations were made for senators, court personnel, prosecution and defense teams, security officers, and media representatives.
He was accompanied during the inspection by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Alfred Sotto Corpus as officials finalized logistical preparations for the high-profile constitutional trial.
Interested spectators will not be admitted on a walk-in basis.
Instead, visitors must secure slots through the Senate’s online Visitor Management System, with available seats to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Senate chief said requests have already been received from various civil society organizations, along with representatives from both the prosecution and defense panels, further limiting the number of seats available for the general public.
Although spectators will be permitted inside the Senate, Gatchalian emphasized that enhanced security protocols will continue throughout the duration of the impeachment proceedings to ensure order and protect everyone attending the trial.
The Senate session hall has also been configured to accommodate all 24 senator-judges, who will hear the evidence and ultimately decide the fate of the impeachment complaint against the Vice President.
Questions remain regarding the participation of two senators facing separate legal issues.
Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada remains under detention in connection with the alleged flood control anomaly, while Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa continues to face legal uncertainty following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations tied to the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Despite these developments, Senate officials said preparations for the impeachment trial are proceeding as scheduled, with all operational and security arrangements expected to be completed before the opening session on July 6.
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