Senator-judges seen leaving session hall during impeachment trial

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc answers questions from the House prosecution panel on Day 4 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial at the Senate of the Philippines, July 13, 2026. Lotoc’s testimony focused on Article IV of the impeachment complaints, which details alleged grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – Some senator-judges on Monday were observed leaving the session hall for almost an hour while the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte was ongoing.

Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano was observed leaving the hall at 2:51 p.m., and did not return until 3:48 p.m.

A few minutes later, at 2:53 p.m. Senator-judge Robin Padilla followed, but has yet to return as of 4:19 p.m.

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