Senate OKs rules of procedure in impeach trial

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has approved the rules of procedure that would be used in the impeachment trial of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

The rules, contained in Resolution 432, came hours after the House of Representatives transmitted to the Senate on Wednesday the articles of impeachment against the Ombudsman.

But before the approval, the senators held a caucus to discuss some controversial proposed amendments, including the gag order that some of the lawmakers, wanted to impose during the impeachment trial.

Sotto said the caucus was meant to shorten the debates on the floor.