Senate orders impeachment trial prep for VP Duterte

Senate President Francis Escudero has ordered Senate offices to prepare for the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by creating an administrative support group.

Escudero issued Special Order No. 2025-015, designating Senate Secretary Renato Bantug as the Clerk of Court responsible for managing non-judicial functions such as documentation and security measures.

The order mandates the establishment of a structured support system to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the impeachment proceedings, with key offices providing legal, technical, administrative, and security support to the Clerk of Court.

Bantug is ready to take on his new role despite acknowledging it will be a 'tough grind', drawing from previous experience in similar trials.

The Senate Secretariat includes primary offices like the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel for drafting legal instruments and maintaining custody of exhibits, the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation for handling official documents and transcripts, and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms for security and order.