Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian announced Thursday that he will preside over the forthcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after assuming the role of Acting Senate President.
Gatchalian explained that under Senate rules, the presiding officer shifts when the Senate president pro tempore takes on the acting presidency.
“Under the rules, since the Senate president pro tempore assumes as acting president, tayo ang magpi-preside ng impeachment,”
He also said that senator-judges will be required to retake their oath before the start of the impeachment proceedings.
On the timetable of the trial, Gatchalian noted that discussions are ongoing with the Senate clerk of court, adding that the proceedings were initially expected to begin on July 6.
“For me, the original schedule is feasible. But again, i’ll have to consult the clerk of court kung ano pa yung mga issues na pwede mangyari,”
The confirmation comes amid continuing disagreement within the Senate leadership.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has maintained that the recent reorganization of the chamber was invalid due to an alleged lack of quorum, asserting that he remains the legitimate Senate President.
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to be a major political event, with the Senate convening as an impeachment court to receive evidence from the House prosecution panel.