Supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte gathered outside the Senate on the second day of her impeachment trial, carrying placards and tarpaulins as they expressed their support for the embattled official.

The group chanted that they would stand by Duterte and defend her against the accusations raised during the proceedings.

Some protesters accused government officials involved in the impeachment trial of corruption, claiming that those they alleged had misused public funds were the same individuals now seeking to hold Duterte accountable.

“Buwaya, inubos ang kaban ng bayan, sila pa ngayon ang may karapatan na maglitis. Kung sino pa ang magnanakaw ng maleta ng bayan siya pa ang pa ang naglitis, ikinukulong ang totong nagkalaba sng katotohanan,” one protester said.

Duterte has already left the Senate after meeting with her defense team.

The situation outside the chamber remained calm as more than 3,000 police personnel secured the area during the proceedings.