Senate convenes as court. What next for Sara Duterte's impeachment?

Added: 2026-05-21

[00:00:01]The Senate convenes as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte Monday, May 18th. This amid rumors of yet another Senate leadership shakeup.

[00:00:13]This comes days after the shooting incident inside the Senate and Senator Bato dela Rosa's subsequent escape from the premises. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano takes his oath as presiding officer before swearing in the senator judges. The Senate impeachment court gives Duterte 10 days to submit her additional pleadings in light of her impeachment proceedings at the lower chamber. The prosecutors from the House of Representatives are given 5 days to reply. The impeachment case centers on allegations involving misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. Although no power grab materialized, separate meetings are held before Monday session fueling speculation of efforts to unseat Cayetano. During the session, Senators Migz Zubiri and JV Ejercito say they are joining the minority led by Senator Tito Sotto. The two abstained in last week's vote that gave Cayetano the leadership.

[00:01:05]New chairpersons are assigned to some committees following Cayetano's takeover.

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