Senate prepares robes for VP Duterte's impeachment

The Senate is preparing robes for the senator-judges ahead of Vice President Sara Duterte's upcoming impeachment trial, with robe measurements having begun and fittings underway.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed that Senate President Francis Escudero gave the go-signal about two weeks ago to start measuring the maroon-colored robes, similar to those used during Chief Justice Renato Corona’s trial.

Senators are also updating their knowledge on rules of evidence and criminal procedure, with some buying new law books and attending seminars.

Vice President Duterte is facing an impeachment case over alleged threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and the misuse of confidential funds, with her trial tentatively set for July 30.

A Pulse Asia survey showed that 92 percent of Filipinos are aware of the impeachment case against Duterte, but only 45 percent agree with it, while 26 percent support it and 23 percent remain ambivalent.

The survey also indicated that more than a third of respondents believe the Senate will not handle the case fairly, reflecting concerns about impartiality given the Marcos Jr. administration's supermajority at the Senate.