Senators met in caucus on Friday to discuss the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6.
Those present at the caucus were Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Senators Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, Loren Legarda, Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, Robin Padilla, Erwin Tulfo, Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, and Risa Hontiveros.
Legarda and Padilla were the only members of the minority bloc in attendance.
Before the caucus, Senator Erwin Tulfo urged members of the minority bloc to participate in the meeting to ensure senators are aligned on the conduct of the impeachment proceedings.
"Nananawagan ako sa mga kasamahan ko pati sa minority pasok na ho kayo at para pag-usapan natin itong impeachment on Monday para same page tayo kung anong gagawin natin kaysa mamaya dumating ho kayo eh iba-iba tayo kailangan magkaisa ho tayo kung anong gagawin natin," Tulfo said.
Tulfo said one of the issues expected to be discussed was the selection of the presiding officer of the impeachment court.
On June 3, senators approved amendments to the impeachment rules allowing the Senate to elect a senator to serve as presiding officer during the trial. The change means Senate President Win Gatchalian may not necessarily preside over the proceedings.
Tulfo said he would leave the decision on the presiding officer to the Senate as a whole.
Asked whether the caucus also discussed the plunder complaint filed against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Tulfo said the meeting focused solely on preparations for the impeachment trial.
When asked about his readiness for the proceedings, Tulfo said he continues to prepare by consulting with his legal team and reviewing the case records.
"I can’t say I’m 100 percent ready but I keep on being briefed by my lawyers and keep on reading, sobrang dami ng, voluminous documents mahirap basahin lahat," he said.
