Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III has pushed back against claims that he is among a group of senators already inclined to vote for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte in her potential impeachment trial.

The allegation was made by Atty. Salvador Panelo, former presidential spokesperson under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, suggested that at least four senators are prepared to support a conviction.

Sotto dismissed the claim, questioning the basis of such assertions and stressing that no conclusions should be drawn before evidence is formally presented.

He maintained that he will remain impartial throughout the process, emphasizing the Senate’s constitutional role as an impeachment court should the Articles of Impeachment be transmitted by the House of Representatives.

The Senate chief also confirmed that he has convened a meeting among senators currently in the country to begin preparations for a possible impeachment trial. Discussions included procedural readiness and the responsibilities of senators as judges in the proceedings.

Sotto said he is undergoing a crash course on the Rules of Court to ensure that Senate procedures align with legal standards once the impeachment trial commences.

As Senate president, Sotto is expected to serve as presiding officer of the impeachment court if the case against Duterte reaches the Senate and proceeds to trial.