SPECIAL COVERAGE - Impeachment Trial of VP Sara Duterte (Day 1 - Part 2/4) July 6, 2026 | GMA News

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sarah Zimmerman Duterte is called to order. Following a prayer, the clerk of court conducts a roll call, confirming the presence of 21 senators and establishing a quorum for the proceedings.

The Senate President delivers an opening statement emphasizing the importance of impartial justice, truth, and adherence to the Constitution. Senator Bam Aino then raises a point of order, arguing that the Constitution clearly mandates the Senate President to preside over impeachment trials, except when the President is on trial. He highlights the constitutional commission records to support his claim and warns against jeopardizing the validity of the trial by changing a fundamental rule.

The Senate President states that the rules were amended on June 3, 2026, through Senate Resolution number 430, which was adopted without objection and published. He argues that any discussion on this resolution should occur in plenary when the Senate convenes as a legislative body. Senator Aino counters, asserting that the amendment was void as it did not follow the Senate's rules for amending rules and lacked a quorum. He emphasizes that the impeachment court itself adopted its rules and cannot be subject to changes made by the legislative body if those changes violate the Constitution.

Senator Kikopang Linan argues that the Constitution does not explicitly state the Senate President must preside for vice presidential impeachment trials, only for presidential trials where the Chief Justice presides. He adds that Congress has the power to promulgate its rules, and the amendments were ratified. Former Senate President Tito Sotto weighs in, citing a legal maxim that the expression of one thing implies the exclusion of another, suggesting the Constitution's silence means the Senate can decide. Senator Pia Cayetano refutes this, citing constitutional commission records which show an amendment to explicitly state the Senate President presides in all other cases was withdrawn because it was 'understood'.

Following a motion to elect Senator Chis Gavara Escuderero as the presiding officer, a vote is held. The motion passes with 12 votes in favor and 8 against. Senator Aino explains his 'no' vote, reiterating concerns about constitutional violation and procedural due process. He also brings up alleged financial information of Senator Escuderero being opened, which is ruled out of order. Other senators emphasize how the roles of the Senate President and the presiding officer are defined in impeachment cases.

An analysis of the debate points out that the Constitution allows the Senate to promulgate rules for impeachment. It is argued that as long as these rules clarify who presides when the President is not on trial, they are acceptable. It's noted that the Senate's plenary session (which revised the rules) has full legislative power, so the rule change is valid. The importance of the presiding officer's role is also discussed, highlighting that they don't hold absolute power as impeachment is a collective decision by the entire Senate.

Senator Pia Cayetano further explains her vote by presenting direct transcripts from the constitutional commission debates. These transcripts clearly show the framers' intent that the Senate President would preside in all impeachment cases except for a president. She emphasizes that giving effect to the intent of the framers is a fundamental principle of constitutional construction, citing several Supreme Court cases to support her argument.