The House of Representatives is set to vote Monday on transmitting articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate. Lawmakers and Senate leaders have traded statements on the process and related allegations.
The House is scheduled to hold a plenary session on Monday where members will vote on sending the articles to the Senate. The Constitution directs the Senate to proceed with a trial forthwith once the articles are transmitted.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the chamber will convene as an impeachment court upon transmission of the articles. He added that the trial proper would take time due to preparations including pretrial procedures.
House leaders denied claims of incentives or threats to secure votes for the impeachment. Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said she encountered no offers or threats during the two-month committee process.
The camp of Vice President Duterte said its lawyers will monitor the House proceedings remotely on Monday. Spokesman Michael Poa noted they will not be physically present during the debate.