Twenty-three senators formally took their oaths as judges at the start of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, May 18. The only senator absent was Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, while Senator Robin Padilla, considered a person of interest in dela Rosa's alleged escape from the Senate on May 13, was present.
Roll-Call Results
During the roll-call, only Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa was not in attendance. In contrast, Senator Robin Padilla was present. Padilla had been named a person of interest in the alleged escape of Senator dela Rosa from the Senate premises following the shooting incident that occurred inside the Senate on May 13.
Context of the Trial
The impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte proceeds as the Senate convenes as an impeachment court. The absence of Senator dela Rosa raises questions, while Senator Padilla's presence adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the events of May 13.
