Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate has sufficient funds available should the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte reach the chamber.
Sotto estimated that the total cost of the impeachment proceedings could reach about P12.6 million if the process pushes through. He made the statement as discussions continue regarding the possible handling of impeachment articles in the Senate.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said that part of the Senate’s earlier spending related to impeachment preparations involved the production of official robes. According to Lacson, the Senate had already spent about P500,000 for the robes used in impeachment proceedings.
Lacson explained that based on information he received, around 60 robes were commissioned, with each robe costing approximately P7,000. These robes are typically used by senators during impeachment trials.
He also noted that if the impeachment against the vice president does not proceed or if allocated funds are not fully utilized, the unused budget may be returned to the national treasury.
Sotto reiterated that the Senate is financially prepared to manage the requirements of an impeachment trial if the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to the chamber. The estimate provided reflects projected expenses associated with conducting such proceedings.
The statements from Senate leaders come amid continued public attention on the potential impeachment process involving Vice President Duterte. Officials emphasized that funding preparations are part of the Senate’s responsibility in carrying out its constitutional duties when impeachment cases are elevated for trial.
