Senators are set to convene an all-member caucus to discuss preparations for the possible impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The move comes a day after the House Committee on Justice unanimously found probable cause to impeach Duterte, based on two complaints filed against her.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the chamber will tackle steps to prepare for an impeachment court should the House of Representatives transmit the Articles of Impeachment.
“I will take up possible preparations for the impeachment court if ever the House transmits,” Sotto said, adding that the Senate will act “forthwith” once the articles are received.
The statement refers to Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that once a verified impeachment complaint is filed by at least one-third of House members, it constitutes the Articles of Impeachment and the Senate trial shall proceed “forthwith.”
However, the Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that “forthwith” should be interpreted as proceeding within a reasonable time, and not necessarily immediately.
The complaints against Duterte include allegations of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. These stem from issues such as the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, reported threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and alleged unexplained wealth.
Duterte’s defense team said the finding of probable cause was “not unexpected,” citing the direction of the proceedings.
Her legal counsel, Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim, also questioned the evidence presented by the National Bureau of Investigation, claiming it was “curated” and insufficient to establish probable cause.
“Evidence is curated, even spliced. Context is ignored. Opinion is substituted for facts. Guesswork is presented as investigation results,” Lim said in a statement.
