Senate yet to name presiding officer as Sara Duterte trial opens Monday

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has yet to decide who will preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte when it convenes as an impeachment court on Monday, July 6, Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato “Rey” Bantug Jr. said Friday.

According to Bantug, he has yet to receive a final instruction on who will preside over the trial.

“We’ll find out on Monday,” he said in an interview with dzMM.

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READ: ‘Purely speculation,’ says Escudero on talks he may preside over Duterte trial

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Under the amended Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials, the Senate president, who is currently Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, shall serve as the presiding officer unless a majority elects another senator-judge to preside.

Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo on Friday said he personally believes the Senate should choose either Sens. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan or Francis “Chiz” Escudero as presiding officer, citing their legal backgrounds and experience.

“We are not belittling Sen. Win’s capabilities. As a matter of fact, when we talk, he himself says that if there is a need to designate a presiding officer or impeachment trial manager, he is amenable to it,” Tulfo clarified in the same radio interview.

READ: Gatchalian: Impeachment court all set for Sara Duterte trial on July 6

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Tulfo said senators are expected to discuss the matter during an all-senators caucus ahead of Monday’s proceedings. /das

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