MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that the Senate of the Philippines is preparing to formally convene as an impeachment court as early as Wednesday, May 13. The move follows the swift progression of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives.
The transition would mark a significant shift in the 20th Congress, as the Senate pauses its regular legislative duties to act as a tribunal for the nation’s second-highest official.
The Senate’s preparation is a response to the recent actions of the House Committee on Justice, which recently approved two consolidated impeachment complaints.
- Probable Cause: On May 4, 2026, the House committee found probable cause against the Vice President on several grounds, including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and alleged grave threats against the President.
- The “Rule of 100”: If the Articles of Impeachment receive the endorsement of at least 100 members (one-third) of the House of Representatives during the upcoming plenary vote, the case will be immediately transmitted to the Senate.
- Logistical Readiness: Senator Gatchalian noted that the Senate Secretariat has already begun reviewing the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials last used during the 2012 trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Gatchalian warned that while the trial is a constitutional mandate, it will inevitably disrupt the Senate’s current legislative agenda.
- Priority Measures: Key bills, including the 2027 National Budget preparations and the Amendments to the EPIRA Law, may face delays.
- Scheduling: The Senator suggested that the chamber might adopt a “split schedule,” conducting regular legislative sessions in the mornings and acting as an impeachment court in the afternoons.
- The Jury: All 24 Senators will serve as Senator-Judges, with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding over the trial as the Vice President is the respondent.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on four primary categories of allegations:
| Category | Key Allegation |
| Confidential Funds | Alleged misuse of ₱448 million in OVP and DepEd funds in 2022 and 2023. |
| Grave Threats | Public statements regarding an alleged “assassination order” against the President. |
| Graft & Corruption | Discrepancies in wealth disclosure and alleged business ties with SEC-flagged entities. |
| Fictitious Beneficiaries | Claims that social aid was distributed to non-existent individuals (e.g., “Mary Grace Piatos”). |
The potential trial has polarized the political landscape. While the “Makabayan” bloc and members of the “Young Guns” in the House push for a swift transmission, the PDP-Laban party and the Duterte family’s supporters have dismissed the proceedings as a “politically motivated circus.”
“We are ready to fulfill our constitutional duty. The Senate will ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial trial that upholds the rule of law,” Gatchalian emphasized.
As of Monday morning, May 11, 2026, the Senate is awaiting the formal transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment from the House.