The Senate impeachment court on Thursday announced that it had tapped three Supreme Court Justices to serve as “Amici Curiae,” or impartial legal experts who will offer their insights and clarify legal matters during the trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a report by RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas.

Impeachment Court Spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol said that the three “Amici Curiae” or “Friends of the Court” are former Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno, as well as retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna.

The three have expressed readiness to appear personally before the court on September 16 to share their insights on the issues to be tackled.

Meanwhile, Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., who served as presiding officer for the impeachment trial against former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, said he would be submitting a Legal Memorandum instead of attending proceedings in person.

On September 23, both the prosecution and the defense will be given 15 minutes to argue their respective positions, after which the senator-judges will decide whether to convict or acquit Duterte.

The Amici Curiae were called upon after Senator Erwin Tulfo raised a concern regarding which senators would be allowed to vote on the ouster, as four senators were unable to physically attend the trial.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is currently in hiding, Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada are behind bars, and Senator Loren Legarda has gone abroad for medical treatment.