The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy approximately 6,000 police officers to ensure security during the opening of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, July 6, at the Senate building in Pasay City.
Comprehensive security plan in place
During a press conference, PNP Public Information Chief Colonel Allen Rae Co stated that a comprehensive security plan has been finalized to maintain order and safety around the Senate premises. He emphasized that all police units have conducted a final coordinating conference for last-minute security preparations.
Co also confirmed that intelligence monitoring against any potential threats is ongoing. The deployment comes after the Senate Impeachment Court formally ordered Vice President Duterte to appear for her trial, which is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday.
Legal mandate and charges
The order was signed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, who serves as the presiding officer of the impeachment court. It obligates the vice president to attend either in person or through her legal counsel.
On May 11, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte on charges of betrayal of public trust, culpable violations of the Constitution, and misuse of public funds. The allegations are linked to the controversial confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education, where she previously served as secretary. The articles of impeachment also include alleged threats made by Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Trial proceedings and senator caucus
At the opening of the trial, the defense and prosecution teams are expected to formally enter their appearances before delivering opening statements. As the trial approaches, senators held a caucus on Friday morning, July 3, to discuss the flow and sequencing of the upcoming impeachment proceedings, according to Senator Erwin Tulfo.
