The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte began on July 6, 2026, with a debate over who should act as the presiding officer. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian presided over the initial proceedings but called for an election of the presiding officer, citing the Senate’s amended rules of procedure for impeachment trials. Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano objected, arguing that the 1987 Constitution mandates the Senate President to preside over impeachment trials unless the President of the Philippines is the impeached official. Gatchalian countered that the rules were amended during a June 3 session attended only by the majority bloc, and such amendments can only occur when the Senate acts as a legislative body. Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Tito Sotto contended that any Senator-Judge could preside, as the Constitution specifies the Chief Justice as the presiding officer only in cases involving the President but is silent on other officials. Article XI, Section 3(8) of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to promulgate impeachment rules. In a vote of 12-8, Senator-Chiz Escudero was elected presiding officer, nominated by Senator Panfilo Lacson. Gatchalian abstained from voting, while Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada were detained for plunder, and Senator Ronald dela Rosa was in hiding following an ICC arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. Cayetano, along with Senators Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, and Robinhood Padilla, opposed Escudero’s election, arguing it violated the Constitution. Senator Loren Legarda noted that the June 3 session’s validity is under Supreme Court review after Cayetano and eight other senators filed a petition to nullify resolutions passed during that session. Escudero emphasized that a two-thirds vote by Senator-Judges is required for conviction and suggested those opposing his rulings could seek judicial relief. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)
