MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said he iwill preside over Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial as the acting Senate president after a recent leadership change in the upper chamber.
“Well under the rules since ang Senate president pro tempore assumes the acting president, tayo ang magp-preside ng impeachment,” said Gatchalian.
Asked if this means there will be another oath-taking ceremony when the Senate impeachment court convenes, Gatchalian responded: “I have to consult with the clerk of court kung ano ang procedures (what the procedures are), definitely pagbukas kailangan mag-oath (when the trial opens, we need to take an oath),” he said in a press conference.
Gatchalian said this role comes with his task as the acting Senate chief, explaining that while there is technically no Senate president at the moment, he, as the acting president can perform the role while waiting for a formal election.
“So in the absence of a Senate president I can perform the duties para hindi nahihinto ‘yung administrative issues sa Senado (so that administrative issues in the Senate do not stop),” he said.
He then maintained that the Senate as an institution is not weakened even with just an acting Senate president.
“As long as the institution is moving and functioning, then it is performing its duties,” he said. /gsg