Gatchalian calls Duterte trial 'historic'; vows to protect Senate

MANILA, Philippines — Calling Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial “historic,” Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday asked Senate employees to trust him, saying he would not do anything to hurt the institution.

The impeachment trial is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Monday.

“Today is a historic day. This afternoon, the impeachment proceedings will officially begin,” Gatchalian said in a speech during the Senate’s flag-raising ceremony.

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“I would like to thank all of our personnel who worked together to ensure that the opening of the impeachment proceedings would be orderly, well-organized, and peaceful,” he added.

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Before discussing the trial, the Senate chief mentioned the recent events in the chamber, which he said may have caused doubt and fear among many employees.

Gatchalian thanked the employees for their continued service despite the chaos that followed the election of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president on May 11.

READ: Alan Cayetano is now Senate president

Cayetano took the helm of the chamber with the support of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who resurfaced at the Senate to vote for him despite the threat of arrest by the International Criminal Court over the previous administration’s war on drugs.

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But just two days later, a shooting erupted inside the Senate between its security personnel and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation as dela Rosa sought sanctuary in the chamber.

READ: Gunshots heard at Senate where Dela Rosa is holed up; gov’t forces deny role

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Hours after the shooting, or in the early hours of May 14, dela Rosa was seen on CCTV leaving the Senate premises with Sen. Robin Padilla.

Cayetano was later removed as Senate president and replaced by Gatchalian on June 17.

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“My colleagues, I ask for your trust that we will not do anything that could damage the institution we hold dear,” Gatchalian also said in his speech. /mcm