Vice President Sara Duterte has until 7 p.m. Monday to file her answer to the Articles of Impeachment before the Senate impeachment court. The deadline was announced in an advisory from the Office of the Senate Secretary, which stated that Duterte may submit her answer personally, through counsel, or by electronic mail during the filing period from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 1.
Media Guidelines for Duterte and Legal Team
The advisory also specified that Duterte or members of her legal team may address the media only in designated rooms if they choose to grant interviews or issue a statement. This measure aims to ensure orderly coverage of the proceedings.
Senate Impeachment Court Convened on May 18
The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on May 18 and adopted the rules that will govern Duterte’s trial. The rules outline the procedures for the trial, including the submission of pleadings and the conduct of hearings.
Senate President Dismisses Remote Participation Amendment Claims
In a Facebook live session, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano dismissed claims that the majority bloc’s proposed amendment to the Senate rules on remote participation was connected to the impeachment proceedings. Cayetano emphasized that the impeachment rules have already been adopted and any changes would require publication and time.
“There is no truth to claims that the amendment to this rule is connected to an amendment to the impeachment rule. Why? First of all, we have already adopted the impeachment rules. If we change those, they will still have to be published and that will take time,” Cayetano said. He added, “What is being discussed is a Senate rule. There is no truth to posts claiming that this has something to do with the impeachment.”
The Vice President’s legal team is expected to prepare a comprehensive response to the charges, which include allegations of corruption and betrayal of public trust. The impeachment trial is seen as a significant political event in the Philippines, drawing national attention.
