On Monday, May 18, the Senate convened as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte, while Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano retained his leadership post despite rumors of a coup.
Senators donned red robes and took their oath as judges. Cayetano presided over the court and issued a writ of summons directing Duterte to respond to the allegations within 10 days.
Under the Constitution, the Senate will decide whether to convict the vice president. A pre-trial will follow before the trial proper begins.
On the same day, the Senate underwent further reorganization. Juan Miguel Zubiri joined the minority bloc, while JV Ejercito declined Cayetano’s offer to become majority leader and chose to remain independent.
No leadership change occurred despite the rumors. Cayetano was elected on May 11 following a power shift that ousted Tito Sotto.
