Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said the Senate is constitutionally required to immediately convene as an impeachment court once it receives the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte from the House of Representatives.

Sotto stressed that the obligation is clearly mandated by the Constitution, and leaves no room for political discretion or debate.

“Eh sundin natin ang Constitution. Ganoon kasimple ang usapan, which is to convene. Once we receive the articles of impeachment, we must convene as an impeachment court. That is part of our work. That is part of our job as Senate,” Sotto said.

His statement follows recent developments in the House of Representatives, where the Committee on Justice unanimously approved the committee report and Articles of Impeachment against Duterte in a 55-0 vote, effectively paving the way for transmission to the Senate plenary for trial proceedings.

According to the committee report, lawmakers found probable cause based on evidence presented during hearings involving allegations of misuse of confidential funds, corruption, and other impeachable offenses.

Once approved by at least one-third of House members, the Articles will be formally transmitted to the Senate for trial.

Sotto made the remarks in response to Senator Robin Padilla, who earlier said the Senate minority would oppose any moves by the majority regarding impeachment proceedings, arguing that it is the role of the minority to challenge majority actions.

However, Senator Imee Marcos clarified that no final agreement has yet been reached among senators, saying they are still awaiting official transmittal of the impeachment documents and are preparing for a possible full trial once it begins.

Under the Philippine Constitution, once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted by the House, the Senate automatically assumes jurisdiction as an impeachment court to try the case against impeachable officials, such as the Vice President.