VP Sara impeachment: Senate ready for trial, rallies

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has put in place security and crowd-control arrangements for the first day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, including preparations for possible protest actions outside the chamber, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said.

In a chance interview after the Senate flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Gatchalian said the Senate had prepared for different scenarios as the impeachment court resumes proceedings later in the day.

“Pinaghandaan din ‘yan (We have also prepared for it), the eventuality is that much,” Gatchalian said, referring to expected public actions outside the Senate.

READ: ‘100% ready’: House prosecution all set for Duterte’s impeachment trial

He said the Senate also sought support from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help ensure that demonstrations remain orderly.

“So humingi rin kami ng support para masigurado na orderly din ‘yung mga demonstration (So we also asked for support to ensure that the demonstrations will also be orderly),” he said.

Asked whether he would preside over the impeachment court, Gatchalian said the rules provide that the Senate President serves as presiding officer.

“Like I said, sa rules natin, tayo po ang mag-represide sa impeachment court (Like I said, under our rules, we will preside over the impeachment court),” he said.

READ: On eve of impeachment trial, Sara Duterte prays for father’s return from Hague

Gatchalian, however, declined to preempt the impeachment court on pending matters, saying these should be resolved by the court itself.

The Senate chief also said he appreciated the participation of senators in the all-senator caucus held ahead of the proceedings, including Senators Loren Legarda and Robin Padilla.

He said their attendance may be taken as a sign that they would participate in the trial.

He added that he has not received any information from minority senators that they would skip or boycott the proceedings.

“Wala naman. Wala naman akong nakuhang ganun (None. I have not received anything like that),” he said.

READ: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Everything you need to know

Gatchalian said the caucus produced “good discussions” and several suggestions, which he said were welcome as the Senate seeks to ensure the orderly conduct of the impeachment process.

He also said the chamber continues to work on urgent matters, including the national budget, citing the need to address economic concerns as growth slows. (PNA)

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