Security Tightened as 6,000 Police Personnel Stand By for High-Stakes Proceedings
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has formally directed Vice President Sara Duterte to appear when her impeachment trial begins on July 6, signaling the start of one of the most consequential constitutional proceedings in recent Philippine political history.
The official notice, signed by Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on July 2, instructs Duterte to attend the opening session either personally or through her legal counsel, in accordance with the writ of summons previously issued by the impeachment court.
The order requires the Vice President to appear before the Senate at 2 p.m. on Monday and comply with all directives and eventual rulings issued during the proceedings.
With only days remaining before the trial opens, Senate officials said preparations have been completed, including courtroom arrangements, procedural requirements, and logistical coordination.
Senate Secretary and Impeachment Court Clerk Renato Bantug said both the prosecution and defense panels are expected to formally enter their appearances before presenting their respective opening statements, following established impeachment procedures.
Authorities have also reconfigured the Senate Session Hall to accommodate the historic proceedings.
Although Gatchalian has publicly expressed his intention to preside over the trial, Senate officials said the matter will ultimately be settled once proceedings begin.
Recent amendments to the Senate’s impeachment rules now allow senators to elect another member as presiding officer through a majority vote, replacing the previous rule that automatically designated the Senate president to lead all impeachment trials except those involving the President.
The revised provision has fueled discussions among senators regarding whether someone with extensive legal experience should preside over the proceedings.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has suggested that either Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan or Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero could be considered because of their legal backgrounds, while emphasizing that his proposal should not be interpreted as a criticism of Gatchalian’s leadership.
Members of the Senate convened a caucus Friday to finalize arrangements ahead of the opening of the impeachment court.
According to Senator Erwin Tulfo, discussions centered on the sequence of proceedings and the documentary requirements for the trial. He declined to elaborate on internal deliberations, including whether senators discussed the issue of who would ultimately preside over the court.
The meeting was attended by both majority and minority senators as the chamber finalized preparations for Monday’s session.
Lawyers representing Vice President Duterte have already submitted their response to the impeachment court’s pretrial directives.
Defense counsel Michael Poa declined to discuss the contents of the filing, citing rules that prohibit public disclosure of matters related to the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Senate officials, meanwhile, said no motion seeking to postpone or suspend the opening of the trial has been received, indicating that the proceedings remain on schedule.
Security forces have launched an extensive deployment plan to ensure peace and order throughout the impeachment proceedings.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Major General Alfredo Sotto Corpuz confirmed that various units of the Philippine National Police will reinforce Senate security throughout the duration of the trial.
The PNP announced that approximately 6,000 police officers will be deployed in and around the Senate complex and nearby areas in Pasay City.
Police officials said intelligence monitoring and coordination with security agencies have been intensified to anticipate possible demonstrations and address any potential security threats while ensuring public safety.
Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives over allegations that include the alleged misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving officials of the Department of Education, and alleged threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The impeachment trial marks a pivotal moment in Philippine constitutional history as senators prepare to act as judges in determining whether the charges warrant Duterte’s removal from office.
With legal teams ready, security measures fully in place, and procedural preparations completed, all eyes now turn to the Senate on Monday afternoon as the impeachment court formally begins proceedings that could have far-reaching political and constitutional consequences.
ia/xf
