Sara Duterte impeachment trial open to 150 visitors - Gatchalian

MANILA, Philippines— Despite space limitations, the Senate will still allocate 150 seats to the public for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, is set to commence the trial proper at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

“We don’t have much space left, but we’re accommodating 150 people from the public,” Senate President  Sherwin Gatchalian told reporters in Filipino as he led a walkthrough ahead of the trial on Tuesday.

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Gatchalian was joined during the walkthrough by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, who previously said the session hall could accommodate 340 persons, and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Alfred Sotto Corpus.

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According to the Senate chief, they have received requests from civil  society organizations as well as the prosecution and defense teams.

The space is limited, so we’re allocating seats for them, added Gatchalian, who will serve as presiding officer of the impeachment  court.

Those who want to watch the  trial would have to register  online through  the Senate’s Visitor Management  System.

“Not all can be accommodated. First-come, first-served tayo,” Gatchalian said.

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He added that visitors would be allowed to attend the trial, despite the continued implementation of  heightened security measures within the Senate premises.

In the plenary hall where the trial will be held, Gatchalian said seats have been allotted for  all 24 senators, who will serve as judges in the impeachment trial.

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Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada is currently jailed  over the flood control scandal  while Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been in hiding amid the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC arrest stemmed from dela Rosa’s alleged role in the previous administration’s war on drugs as then head of the Philippine National Police. /gsg

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