Sectoral groups set to protest on Day 1 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Several sectoral groups are set to stage protests in Pasay City on Monday, the first day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Bagong Alyansa Makabayan (BAYAN) said the public would deliver its own verdict against those it described as corrupt and abusive of power, according to Christian Maño's report on Super Radyo dzBB.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna said it would keep watch over the Senate proceedings to ensure that justice and the public interest prevail during the trial.

In a separate statement, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said it was joining the protest to denounce corruption and the lack of accountability.

A large truck that will serve as the stage for the protesters' 2 p.m. program has already arrived at the venue.

Earlier, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said protests directly in front of the Senate gates would not be allowed.

Instead, protesters may hold their program along the southbound lane of Diokno Boulevard, even without a rally permit.

On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would deploy more than 6,000 police officers around the Senate to secure the area during Duterte's impeachment trial.

Meanwhile, the Pasay City government has temporarily closed a stretch of Diokno Boulevard near the Senate during the trial.

The closure covers both the northbound and southbound lanes from Seaside Boulevard to Atang dela Rama Street, including intersections along the affected stretch.

The traffic scheme takes effect starting July 6 and will be enforced every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in May over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

On June 1, Duterte's camp filed its answer to the Articles of Impeachment and asked the impeachment court to dismiss the case.

Duterte's impeachment trial is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

The trial will initially be held every Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m. until the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 27.

After the SONA, proceedings will shift to Tuesdays through Thursdays, also at 2 p.m.