The Senate has demonstrated its preparedness to carry out its constitutional role as an impeachment court just days before the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte officially begins, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. announced.
Speaking in a radio interview, Bantug expressed confidence in the chamber’s readiness while calling on the public to maintain trust in the institution.
“Itong mga nakaraang linggo, napakita naman ng Senado ang kanilang kahandaan na gawin yung kanilang tungkulin sa Saligang Batas na magkaroon ng paglilitis. Sana ay ipagpatuloy ang inyong pananampalataya sa inyong Senado,” Bantug said.
As the trial opens on Monday, Bantug, who will assume the role of the Senate impeachment clerk of court, noted that while major preparations are nearly finalized, the initial days could still bring minor logistical hurdles.
“Confident naman tayo pero syempre meron tayong dadaanan sigurong birth pains kasi hindi naman natin yan mape-perfect agad,” he explained.
“Kahit sabihin mong handa-handa tayo at ginawa natin lahat para maging smooth ang ating opening, maaari pa rin mangyari na may mga kaunting inconvenience at diyan humihingi ako ng paunang paumanhin kung sakaling mangyari,” he added.
According to Bantug, the opening day will not immediately dive into the specific articles of impeachment or evidence. Instead, proceedings will focus on initial formalities.
“Sa huling pag-uusap, hindi pa muna kamukha noong nangyari noong huling impeachment trial. Hanggang doon [muna] sa opening statements ng magkabilang partido,” he clarified.
Following the opening remarks from both sides, the court will address any pending procedural matters if schedule permits. The trial will then follow a structured format where the House prosecution panel will lay out its evidence for each charge, followed by the defense team’s presentation, concluding with a Senate vote on each individual article.
The Senate leadership is also set to assess the potential implications of a recent plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
“Kahapon, noong lumabas ang balitang pag-file ng kaso kay Senator Marcoleta, sa aking palagay, kundi mamaya hanggang bukas, kami ay kailangan mag-usap para paghandaan kung ano man ang mangyari,” Bantug noted.
Managing the trial logistics has proven demanding, especially with the upcoming State of the Nation Address and the opening of the second regular session of Congress looming just weeks away.
Nonetheless, the Senate is accommodating public interest by launching an online visitor registration portal for those wishing to witness the historic proceedings live.
“Bukas ng alas-dos ng hapon, mago-open ang registration ng visitor management system. Ako’y curious din sa response ng ating mga kababayan sa impeachment trial,” Bantug said.