Senate convenes as impeachment court for Sara Duterte trial

The Senate on Monday convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

Donning maroon robes, senators took their oath as judges days after receiving the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives.

Notably absent from the proceedings was Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa’s absence comes amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Senator Camille Villar, being the youngest senator, administered the oath to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano while the latter presided over the oath-taking of the rest of the legislators.

"For the record, Resolution No. 39 or the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trial should continue to apply. We further note that Rule 6, which therefore provides that the provisions of the Rules of the Senate and the revised Rules of Court shall apply suppletorily whenever applicable," Cayetano said.

Following the convening, Cayetano said a writ of summons will be issued to Duterte.

Answer in 10 calendar days

The impeachment court directed the Vice President to file an answer within a non-extendible period of ten calendar days from receipt and will be ordered to appear before the Senate "upon notice."

"The Sergeant-At-Arms is directed to serve the written summons on Vice President Sara along with a copy of the Articles of Impeachment," Cayetano said.

The prosecution, on the other hand, may file a reply within a non-extendible period of five days from receipt of the answer.

"The parties may file their pleadings and annexes in person or through email. All other pleadings, motions similar intended for the consideration of this court may be filed electronically," the Senate leader said, adding specific instructions for the format of the pleadings and manner of electronic filing for the guidance of all parties will be provided to the parties.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III raised a question to clarify if the period for filing answers is based on working or calendar days.

Cayetano said calendar days.

"The Clerk of Court is hereby authorized to calendar the case for pre-trial and issue the corresponding notices to the parties after the last pleading is filed," said Cayetano.

"Upon conclusion of the pretrial, the trial proper shall commence on a date and time fixed by the court of which the parties shall be duly notified," he added.

The Senate suspended its session.

On May 11, the House of Representatives, voting 257-25, impeached Duterte for the second time on allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes. —AOL, GMA News