Senators elected Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer on the first day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial on July 6, sparking debate over constitutional rules.
On Monday, July 6, the Senate impeachment court opened proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senators voted 12 to 8 to elect Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer after objections from Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, who argued the Senate president should lead under the 1987 Constitution.
The 1987 Constitution requires the Chief Justice to preside only when the president faces trial. It remains silent on other impeachable officials. Lawyer Evecar Cruz-Ferrer noted that the Constitutional Commission records may clarify intent in such cases.
The trial is scheduled to last 92 days, with time allocated across four articles of impeachment. Prosecutors plan to present National Bureau of Investigation officials first on allegations of grave threats. Defense counsel Sheila Sison stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the release of confidential funds in question.
