THE Senate said it is ready to convene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, July 6.
“The preparations are almost complete,” Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said, adding that Senate officials have been working closely with various agencies to ensure that all logistical, administrative, and security requirements are in place.
Gatchalian said there are no plans to postpone the trial.
The high-profile legal proceeding is expected to draw widespread public attention, with lawmakers, legal experts, political observers, and members of the diplomatic community closely monitoring the process.
Gatchalian said security has been significantly enhanced inside and around the Senate complex. These include dry runs to regulate the movement of people and the use of designated access routes for senators, prosecution and defense teams, court personnel, members of the media, and visitors.
The Senate will allow a limited number of observers to witness the proceedings, with the courtroom accommodating up to 150 members of the public, subject to security protocols and available seating.
Media organizations are likewise expected to provide extensive coverage of the proceedings, which are anticipated to become one of the country’s most closely watched political events.
Senators will serve as senator-judges tasked with hearing the evidence and ultimately deciding the impeachment case.
Gatchalian said he is prepared to serve as presiding officer of the impeachment court and oversee the proceedings in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Senate’s Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.
He noted that the impeachment trial is expected to run for seven to eight months, depending on the presentation of evidence, witness testimonies, motions filed by both parties, and other procedural matters.
Under the 1987 Constitution, conviction in an impeachment trial requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all members of the Senate. A conviction would result in the removal of the impeached official from office and may also carry the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any public office, while an acquittal would allow the official to remain in office.