Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said he will preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, following a leadership change in the upper chamber.
During a press conference, Gatchalian confirmed that under Senate rules, the acting Senate President assumes the role of presiding officer in impeachment proceedings.
“Under the rules, since the Senate President Tempore assumes the acting Senate President, tayo ang magpepreside ng impeachment,” Gatchalian said, adding that the impeachment court may be reconstituted even if Congress is in adjournment.
He noted that the impeachment proceedings are currently scheduled to begin on July 6, describing the timeline as still feasible based on the original schedule released earlier.
“As is [‘yung July 6] for now...That is based on the original schedule, and I think for me the original schedule is feasible,” he said.
Gatchalian also confirmed that he would consult the Senate clerk regarding procedural matters, including the possibility of another oath-taking for senators sitting as an impeachment court once it convenes.
“Well, I have to consult with the clerk of court kung ano yung mga procedures. But definitely, pagbukas kailangan mag-oath,” he said.
Gatchalian said no such election had taken place recently, adding that the Senate President generally presides over impeachment proceedings unless the chamber decides otherwise.
“No, there was no election yesterday. We just amended the rules. Still, the Senate president will preside the impeachment unless yung Senate itself will say that they will agree and say that we elect somebody else. But as a rule, it's the Senate president,” he said.
He also addressed questions about the Senate operating under an acting leadership, stressing that the institution remains functional.
“Well, that is in the rules. Because ang rules natin very clear. Kung may ganitong situations, dapat tumatakbo pa rin ang Senate," he said.
"So that's why they appointed an acting Senate president. Para takbo pa rin lahat. Lahat pa rin ay gumagana. So that's the essence of why we have that rule,” the senator added.
Gatchalian added that the impeachment court operates separately from the legislative body and can proceed even during adjournment, subject to scheduling adjustments.
“Yes, pwede because the impeachment court takes a life of its own.Separate from the legislative body. But there is a schedule that was released. So we have to review that schedule. But na-brief naman kami on the schedule nung nirelease yun,” he said.
The Senate has previously set July 6 as the tentative start of the impeachment trial against Duterte.
