Gatchalian presides over start of Duterte impeachment trial

[Updated July 6, 2026, 7:37 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian presided over at the start of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday.

This came despite discussions that another senator might be elected to lead the proceedings.

It should be noted that when Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore on June 3, the Senate adopted an amendment to the impeachment rules allowing any senator to be elected to preside over the impeachment trial of elected officials, except the president.

READ: Amended rules allow other senators to preside over impeach trials

Senators Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan were among those named in discussions as possible presiding officers, citing their legal backgrounds.

However, Gatchalian has repeatedly maintained that the Senate president should preside over the impeachment trial.

Later, Gatchalian motioned to open the elections of the presiding officer.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson elected Escudero, and in a 12-8 vote, the latter was elected as the impeachment court’s presiding officer. /mcm /mr