Sherwin Gatchalian checks Senate plenary, says chamber ready for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday led an inspection of the Senate plenary, where the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is scheduled to begin on July 6.

Gatchalian said the Senate is ready to proceed with the impeachment trial based on the case transmitted by the House of Representatives.

"We're very prepared. Handa na tayo. In fact, today will be the physical inspection and then we'll continue to improve as we go along," Gatchalian told reporters.

(We're very prepared. In fact, today will be the physical inspection and then we'll continue to improve as we go along.)

Gatchalian also inspected several Senate offices that will be used during the proceedings. The prosecution and defense teams are expected to conduct their own inspections later this week.

"On track. And kahit na maliit yung space. At least naayos na natin, naayos na natin yung spaces," he added.

(We're on track. Even if the space is limited, we've managed to maximize the available areas.)

WATCH: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday conducted a walkthrough in the Senate plenary hall, where the impeachment trial against VP Sara Duterte will be conducted. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/ytGwsPkbpv

— Sundy Locus 🍃🌱 (@sundylocus_) June 30, 2026

The Senate expects to accommodate at least 150 guests from the public and private sectors each day of the trial on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Mayroon tayong Visitor Management System, dun sila mag-reregister," Gatchalian said.

(They will need to register through our Visitor Management System.)

Trial hearings will initially be held from Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m. After President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, hearings will shift to Tuesdays through Thursdays, also at 2 p.m.

Gatchalian said it would be up to the Senate impeachment court to decide whether to unseal the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) box containing Duterte's tax-related documents.

"I'm sure yung prosecution, 'pag i-reraise, then we will decide on that matter," he said.

(I'm sure if the prosecution raises the matter, then we will decide on that matter.)

House prosecutors have accused Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18. On June 1, Duterte's legal team asked the court to dismiss the impeachment case against her.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian declined to comment on the possible filing of plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta. — VBL, GMA News