SENATE President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III announced on Tuesday that the Senate is prepared to convene as an impeachment court as early as May 4, once the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte are officially transmitted from the House of Representatives.
Sotto made the statement during a press briefing, noting that May 4 marks the scheduled resumption of congressional sessions, putting the timeline just two weeks away from the present date.
“Technically, we may convene by May 4—that’s when we should resume. That’s just two weeks away,” Sotto said.
He emphasized, “By May 4, if we receive the articles of impeachment, then we will immediately convene as an impeachment court.” The Senate president also reiterated his commitment to handle the matter with utmost efficiency, vowing that the proceedings will be acted upon “forthwith” or without delay.
Sotto explained that as soon as the documents reach the Senate, he will formally inform the plenary and immediately refer the matter to the Committee on Rules.
However, he clarified that the exact timeline is still dependent on the lower chamber. “We have to wait for the decision of the House of Representatives on whether they find probable cause,” he added, acknowledging that the Senate cannot act until the House completes its process.
Currently, the House Committee on Justice is nearing the conclusion of its hearings, with only two sessions left scheduled on April 22 and April 29. These hearings aim to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support the complaints filed against the vice president. Duterte faces allegations of graft and corruption, particularly concerning the alleged misuse of confidential funds during her tenure as Department of Education secretary and as vice president, as well as issues regarding her supposed unexplained wealth and financial records.
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