Senate rejects motion to convene impeachment court for VP Sara

The Senate minority bloc, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel III, made a forceful appeal on Monday during a plenary session to immediately convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte.

Despite their efforts, the majority of senators rejected the motion to commence the trial proceedings forthwith, citing constitutional rules and precedents.

Senator Joel Villanueva proposed referring the articles of impeachment to the Senate Committee on Rules and scheduling oaths for the presiding officer and other judges, which were approved.

Escudero took his oath as presiding officer past 9 p.m., but it was clarified that the court would convene officially on Wednesday as scheduled.

Vice President Duterte faces charges including misuse of funds and plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stemming from her November 2024 statement and alleged misuse of P612.5 million in public funds.