The Senate Impeachment Court has formally directed Vice President Sara Duterte to appear at the opening of her impeachment trial on Monday, either in person or through her legal counsel.
The notice, signed by Senate President and Presiding Officer Win Gatchalian, instructed the vice president’s camp to attend the proceedings scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
A separate notice was also issued by Clerk of Court Atty. Renato Bantug Jr. to the House of Representatives, reminding House prosecutors of the scheduled proceedings before the impeachment court.
The notices were released ahead of the formal start of the impeachment trial, marking the next stage in the case against the vice president.
Earlier on Friday, senators held an all-senators caucus to discuss preparations and procedures for the upcoming trial. The closed-door meeting was intended to address matters related to the conduct of the impeachment proceedings before the Senate convenes as an impeachment court.
Ahead of the trial, Sen. Erwin Tulfo called on members of the Senate minority bloc to attend the caucus to ensure they could fully discuss and prepare for the proceedings set for Monday.
The impeachment trial is expected to begin at 2 p.m., following the issuance of official notices to both the vice president’s legal team and the House prosecution panel.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is tasked with hearing the case and determining whether the charges against the vice president warrant conviction or acquittal under the Constitution.
Monday’s proceedings will formally open the trial, with both the defense and prosecution expected to participate in accordance with the rules governing impeachment cases.
