COURT IN SESSION Senator-judges in their maroon robes gather at the Senate plenary hall on Monday for the opening of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as members of the House prosecution panel and of Duterte’s defense team enter their appearances. Inset shows Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who was elected presiding officer of the impeachment court, and SenatePresident Sherwin Gatchalian leading the proceedings. —Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court on Monday elected Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero as its presiding officer over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte despite strong objections from the Cayetano-led minority, before settling key procedural issues, including the 16-vote threshold for conviction and rules on the presentation of evidence.
The opening day of only the country’s third impeachment trial was marked by an hour-long constitutional debate over who should preside before senators voted 12-8 to elect Escudero under Senate Resolution No. 39, as amended.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian initially convened the impeachment court before raising the election of a presiding officer. Sen. Panfilo Lacson nominated Escudero, drawing opposition from the Cayetano siblings, Senators Alan Peter and Pia.
