Senate convenes as impeachment court

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate convened as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18.

This comes after the House of Representatives transmitted to the upper chamber the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.

It must be noted that convening as an impeachment court does not indicate the start of the trial.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte impeachment case at the Senate

There will first be a period to allow the prosecution and defense to submit their pleadings, and a pre-trial will be held for the submission of evidence.

Under the Constitution, the Senate is not held to a specific timeline to begin the trial period, and is instead supposed to hold trial “within a reasonable time,” according to the Supreme Court.

This is to give time to the Senate to prepare for the trial.

Duterte is facing two impeachment complaints for alleged corruption involving confidential funds, and betrayal of public trust among others.

READ: VP impeached; House gets 257 votes to start trial

In a successful coup on May 11, the Senate had a change in leadership, placing Duterte-allied Sens. Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, and Imee Marcos under the majority bloc. /das