The Philippine Senate has begun laying the groundwork for a potential impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte, as Senate President Vicente Sotto III convened an all-senator caucus on Thursday to discuss various procedural scenarios.
While the formal transmission of the articles of impeachment from the House of Representatives remains pending, Sotto emphasized the importance of internal alignment regarding the chamber’s legislative agenda and judicial preparedness.
He noted that while his leadership typically involves pre-session caucuses to discuss upcoming bills, the current political climate necessitates a specific focus on the possible trial.
“Well, first of all, kahit nung araw na Senate President ako, bago mag-resume ang sessions, I usually call for an all-senator caucus to discuss the possible agenda that we may be able to pass,” Sotto told reporters.
The Senate President clarified that the chamber is currently operating on a speculative basis, as the final move rests entirely with the lower house.
“And then more so now, dahil there is a possibility that the articles of impeachment might be transmitted by the House. Pero as of now, everything is speculative. If ever,” he added.
Key topics during the meeting included the anticipated timetable and logistical requirements for a trial.
Sotto highlighted that the Senate must be ready to act immediately should the House Committee on Justice’s findings be formally elevated to them, citing the high level of public scrutiny surrounding the allegations.
“Napakahalagang nakahanda kami. The country, our countrymen are looking at this very seriously. Minomonitor nila yung sa House. So they will expect us to do our job once we receive it,” Sotto remarked.
Addressing concerns regarding the political nature of the proceedings, Sotto maintained that the Senate would function as an impartial body.
He rejected the idea that senators would succumb to external pressure, asserting that their primary responsibility is to review the evidence objectively.
“Dapat ang mentality namin hindi ganyan. Dapat ang mentality namin, ‘We have to do our job. We have to be impartial.’ Kahit sino pa yung ipapadala sa amin na articles of impeachment, we have to look at it at a very impartial attitude,” he said.
The legislative preparation follows a House panel’s determination of probable cause for impeachment. The allegations against the Vice President include claims of death threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.