LIVE UPDATES: Senate convenes as impeachment court vs VP Sara Duterte

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 formally transitioned into senator-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 arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. —AOL, GMA News

Lawyer Raul Lambino on Monday said that the Supreme Court (SC) is the last hope to interpret the country’s laws regarding the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid the arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, as well as the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte.

At the Pandesal Forum, Lambino of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) said that the conflicting views of lawyers regarding the issues are not healthy for the country’s democracy.

“Each group or side would have their own way of putting up their view, whether or not valid ba ‘yung ICC warrant, etc. etc. I have said my piece about this, I have my own view but this will not conform with the view of the other lawyers,” he said.

“The SC is our last hope to interpret and construct our existing laws or principles in regard to these two important issues,” he added.

Lambino also stressed that lawyers should not be blamed for this.

To recall, Dela Rosa is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until the end of April 2018, wherein at least 32 persons died.

Some lawyers have said that a local warrant is needed for authorities to implement the ICC warrant while others argue that it is unnecessary.

Dela Rosa has filed numerous supplemental motions with the High Court against the implementation of the warrant against him.

Meanwhile Duterte and other individuals have filed petitions seeking to stop the impeachment proceedings.

The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court Monday afternoon. —AOL, GMA News

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s lawyer on Monday said it is up to the senator whether he will appear before the Senate as it is expected to convene as an impeachment court this week, but that it is possible.

This comes days after dela Rosa slipped out of the premises of the Senate amid a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him for crimes against humanity.

“That is a matter which can only be decided by my client. Again, I only provide alternative courses of action to my client but it is up to my client what to do,” lawyer Israelito Torreon, his legal counsel, told Unang Balita.

“Posible ‘yan. He may appear kasi wala naman talagang local warrant of arrest. Pero ‘yung prejudice lang sa kanyang safety, nakita na natin eh. Nu'ng dumating siya sa Senado, muntik na siyang madakip eh. Nadapa pa nga siya,” he added.

(That is possible. He may appear because there is really no local warrant of arrest. But we have already seen the prejudice to his safety. When he arrived at the Senate, he almost got arrested. He even fell down.)

Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant for “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until the end of April 2018, wherein at least 32 persons died.

Authorities attempted to serve the warrant against him on May 11, leading to a chase inside the Senate building. He was later placed under protective custody by the upper chamber before he left the Senate premises on May 14.

Torreon reiterated that the ICC warrant must be confirmed by a local court before it can take effect in the country.

READ: Is a local warrant needed to arrest Bato Dela Rosa? Lawyers weigh in

—KG, GMA News

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on alert as the Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. placed Metro Manila and key regional units on alert ahead of possible protest actions and other activities linked to the impeachment proceedings.

“The goal is always to ensure that all activities will start and end peacefully. We expect high emotions from the supporters and this is the part when police presence is needed to maintain peace and order,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Police deployments have been reinforced in strategic locations, including areas surrounding the Senate and other identified convergence points nationwide, the PNP said.

Aside from these, protests are also expected in some parts of Davao City, it added.

The PNP also cited the protest actions organized by supporters of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa recently amid the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the Duterte administration’s drug war.

While the Senate building was on lockdown and Dela Rosa was under the protective custody of the upper chamber last Wednesday, gunshots were heard inside the building of the legislative body. Hours later, Dela Rosa left the Senate compound.

“We fully understand the sentiments of everybody on this matter but please don’t treat your PNP as your enemy. Our presence is purely for your safety and security,” Nartatez said.

“I assure our kababayan that the PNP is ready for any eventuality, and we remain focused on exercising our mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people. We appeal to those who are planning to hold rallies to conduct their activities in a peaceful and orderly manner to avoid issues,” he added.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said at least 900 police personnel have been deployed around the Senate, according to a report of GMA News’ Bea Pinlac on Unang Balita.

Barbed wire is still installed at the Senate gates.

Despite the heightened security, the situation at the Senate appears more “business as usual” compared to previous days.

Youth Against Kurakot and other groups are expected to hold protests calling for the immediate removal of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano from the chamber's highest post.

GMA News sources said there are talks of another possible leadership change in the Senate following tensions and the shooting incident last Wednesday.

As the Senate is also expected to convene later as an impeachment court for Duterte's trial, the 11-member prosecution panel from the House of Representatives is expected to attend, including Representatives Chel Diokno, Leila de Lima, and Gerville Luistro. —AOL, GMA News