Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expects all senators, including minority members, to attend the start of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, as it is part of their duty as senator-judges.
Gatchalian emphasizes attendance as a duty
In an interview, Gatchalian stressed the importance of each senator personally hearing the evidence and arguments from both sides to fully participate in the trial. “I believe everyone will attend because it is part of our duty… and it doesn't need to be said because all senator-judges should be present,” Gatchalian said.
The Senate President added that senators may question witnesses, as well as the prosecution and defense panels, during the trial. However, he insisted that the impeachment court should not be used as a forum to discuss other issues, including the legal matter concerning his election as Senate President.
Minority leader raises concerns
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano previously said that the fairness of the impeachment trial could be compromised while the Supreme Court of the Philippines has not yet resolved his petition to nullify the June 3 Senate session where Gatchalian was elected Senate President. Gatchalian countered that the issue of Senate leadership should be discussed in plenary as part of the chamber's legislative functions, not in the impeachment court.
Positive signs from caucus attendance
Meanwhile, Gatchalian viewed the attendance of Senators Loren Legarda and Robin Padilla at the all-senator caucus on Friday as a positive sign, indicating that many senators are ready to set aside leadership issues and focus on the impeachment trial. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of having a quorum to ensure the trial proceeds even if not all 24 senators attend each day.
Gatchalian also revealed that some minority members contacted him to explain that they missed the caucus due to prior commitments and other important obligations.
