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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cayetano urges Impeachment Court to allow Marcoleta, Estrada to attend Duterte's trial

Cayetano urges Impeachment Court to allow Marcoleta, Estrada to attend Duterte's trial

Published Jul 6, 2026 06:23 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called on the Senate Impeachment Court on Monday, July 6 to allow Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada—who are both detained for plunder cases—to attend Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
Senators, led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, take their oath as the impeachment court convenes at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, May 18, 2026, for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. (Mark Balmores)
Senators, led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, take their oath as the impeachment court convenes at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, May 18, 2026, for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. (Mark Balmores)
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called on the Senate Impeachment Court on Monday, July 6 to allow Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada—who are both detained for plunder cases—to attend Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. 
Cayetano said both senators should be allowed to attend the proceedings since their cases are still being heard. The senator also reiterated his belief the cases against them were politically-motivated. 
“We do not know what will happen (to their cases). Their case may be dismissed, they can be out on bail, so we want them to be able to participate and observe the witnesses as senator-judges here,” Cayetano said.
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who was elected as the presiding officer of the Impeachment Court on Monday, acknowledged Cayetano’s motion, saying the matter will be taken up in a meeting with all senator-judges.
Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo suggested that Marcoleta and Estrada be allowed to follow the trial through televised coverage, but Sen. Robinhood Padilla said the request was for the two senators to be physically present in the Senate.
Early Monday morning, the Sandiganbayan arrested Marcoleta over a plunder case in relation to his alleged failure to rightfully disclose his campaign donations worth P75-million.
Estrada, on the other hand, was slapped with a 90-day suspension order by the Sandiganbayan, in connection with the plunder charges filed against him in relation to his alleged involvement in the flood control scam.
Escudero had said that 16 votes are still needed to convict Duterte who has been accused of misusing government funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and making threats against the President and members of his family.

Related Tags

Senate impeachment court Alan Peter Cayetano Duterte impeachment case 2026 Rodante Marcoleta Jinggoy Estrada
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