By Sam Yu
MANILA — The Senate is preparing to convene as an impeachment court as early as May 13, pending the House of Representatives’ expected plenary vote on May 11 to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the upper chamber is already on alert following reports that the House Committee on Justice has determined probable cause in two impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President.
The cases involve allegations of alleged misuse of public funds and an alleged death threat against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which was said to have been made during an online press briefing in November 2024.
Sotto noted that the Senate is ready to proceed with trial preparations, even as the House panel is scheduled to meet on May 4 to finalize its report, including the resolution and articles of impeachment.
He added that senators have already begun internal discussions during a caucus last week to prepare for the possible transmission of impeachment documents from the House.
The caucus was attended by Senate leaders including Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, and Robin Padilla.
Sotto said that if the House approves the impeachment on May 11 and transmits it by May 12, the Senate could formally convene as an impeachment court by May 13.
On the issue of the Vice President’s appearance, Senator Lacson said it would ultimately depend on Duterte’s decision, though he pointed out that the impeachment court has the authority to require her attendance if necessary.
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