Sherwin Gatchalian says he's presiding over Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed Monday that he would preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

"Like I said, nasa rules natin na Senate President and magpe-preside," Gatchalian told reporters in a chance interview after the flag raising ceremony in the Senate.

(Like I said, our rules state that the Senate President will preside.)

Gatchalian made the remarks as the Senate is set to formally open the impeachment trial later at 2 p.m. According to senator, the chamber is all-set for the opening. He also encourage all senator-judges to attend the proceedings amid reports of alleged boycott.

"Not sure kung ano yung mga posibilities na yan pero of course, ine-encourage natin ang mga senator-judges to attend," the senator said.

(Not sure what are the posibilities but we encourage them to attend.)

"It is our constitutional duty at hinahantay ng taumbayan na masimulan ito at matapos rin kaagad para makabalik na sa normal nating responsibilities: legislative, investigations and of course the budget, pinakamahalaga ang budget dahil ang ekonomiya natin ngyon ay bumabagal. Ito yung mga nakikita kong dapat matalakay in the next few months," he added.

(It is our constitutional duty and the public is waaiting for this to start and end immediately so we can go back to our normal responsibilities: legislative, investigations and of course, the budget.)

Meanwhile, the camp of Duterte has yet to confirm if she would appear before the impeachment court in accordance to a July 2 notice issued to her.

"Walang pasabi sa amin. Nag-coordinate rin ako sa OSAA at wala pa namang pasabi. Pinaghandaan naman in any eventuality," he added.

(They did not inform us of anything. We coordinated for the OSAA for the response. We're also waiting for any eventuality.) — RSJ, GMA News