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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate officially convenes as an impeachment court

Senate officially convenes as an impeachment court

Published May 18, 2026 04:38 pm

At A Glance

  • This developed after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano retained the Senate leadership despite a week of chaos in the Upper Chamber's premises.

The Senate on Monday, May 18 formally convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. 

This developed after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano retained the Senate leadership despite a week of chaos in the Upper Chamber’s premises.

All 23 senators were present when Cayetano moved to convene the Upper Chamber as an impeachment court. They later on donned their crimson robes for the opening of the impeachment proceedings. It was Sen. Camille Villar who administered the oath for Cayetano, when he was sworn in as the court’s presiding officer.

“The court, having been organized and the Articles of Impeachment having been presented, let a writ of summons be issued to Vice President Sara Duterte who is directed to file an answer within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt, pursuant to Article 7 of the rules of procedure of impeachment trial,” Cayetano announced on the floor.

“She is directed to appear before the session hall of the Senate upon notice. The Sergeant-at-Arms is directed to serve the written summons on Vice President Sara along with a copy of the Articles of Impeachment. 

He further said the prosecution panel may file a reply within a non-extendible period of five (5) days upon receipt of the answer. 

“The parties may file their pleadings and annexes in person or thru email. All other pleadings, motions similar intended for the consideration of this court may be filed electronically. 

Cayetano also said that the court will circulate the specific instructions on the format for the pleadings and manner of electronic filing for the guidance of all parties.

Last week, Wednesday, May 13, the House of Representatives transmitted to the Senate the Articles of Impeachment against the vice president past 7 p.m. before a shooting broke out. 

Documents related to the impeachment were delivered by House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil and House Sergeant-at-Arms Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz.  

Earlier, Cayetano said the Senate will act “forthwith” on the impeachment trial and assured that the impeachment court would be “fair and independent.”

He also said senator-judges will decide on the Articles of Impeachment based on evidence. 

Related Tags

impeachment trial VP Sara Duterte impeachment Alan Peter Cayetano senate
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