Senate proceedings scrapped for Wednesday as heavy rains continue to threaten Metro Manila and nearby areas
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has been called off once again, with the Senate impeachment court suspending Wednesday’s proceedings as the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to bring heavy rains and flooding in Metro Manila and other areas.
The impeachment court announced Tuesday that the trial scheduled for August 19 would no longer proceed because of the expected continuation of severe rainfall.
“In view of the anticipated continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and upon the instruction of the presiding officer, the trial scheduled on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is hereby cancelled,” said a notice signed by Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr.
The latest cancellation is the second postponement this week directly attributed to the weather disturbance.
The habagat has triggered flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of the country, prompting government authorities to take precautionary measures as rainfall conditions remain unfavorable.
The suspension of the impeachment proceedings also came as Malacañang ordered government offices in Metro Manila and several nearby provinces to adopt alternative work arrangements on Wednesday.
The directive was contained in Memorandum Circular No. 129, issued amid the continuing effects of the southwest monsoon.
The Senate impeachment court had earlier convened for Duterte’s trial, with senator-judges taking up matters related to the proceedings, including the transfer of the marking of an affidavit submitted by Arturo Lascañas.
For now, the impeachment proceedings remain on hold as authorities monitor the continuing rains and flooding brought by the habagat.
The trial will have to wait — the weather has once again taken center stage.
ia/xf
