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Advocates Philippines
Senate Opens Impeachment Court, Takes Oath To Uphold Justice In Duterte Trial
Photo credit: Senate PH
In a significant turn in Philippine political history, the Senate formally convened on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, to begin its constitutional role as an impeachment court in the case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The proceedings, led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, mark a critical moment for the country’s democratic institutions.
Wearing their Oxford crimson robes—a visual reminder of the solemnity of the task ahead—senators took their oaths as judges in the impeachment trial. Escudero presided over the ceremony, administering the oath to key members of Senate leadership, including Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Deputy Majority Leader Mark Villar, and Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.
Also pledging to uphold fairness and impartiality in the trial were senators Nancy Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Win Gatchalian, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Grace Poe, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri.
Senators Imee Marcos and Robin Padilla joined in taking their oaths but noted their reservations, a move that underscored the delicate political and legal complexities surrounding the case.
The Senate’s convening as an impeachment court follows Escudero’s swearing-in as presiding officer just a day earlier. As outlined in the 1987 Constitution, only the Senate has the authority to try and decide impeachment cases.
With the words, “The Senate is now convened as an impeachment court, and the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Zimmerman-Duterte is hereby declared open and called to order,” Escudero signaled the official start of what may become a historic trial.
This development places the nation’s attention squarely on the upper chamber of Congress as it embarks on a process that will test both legal arguments and political will—one that could shape the country’s leadership and constitutional future.
Wearing their Oxford crimson robes—a visual reminder of the solemnity of the task ahead—senators took their oaths as judges in the impeachment trial. Escudero presided over the ceremony, administering the oath to key members of Senate leadership, including Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Deputy Majority Leader Mark Villar, and Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.
Also pledging to uphold fairness and impartiality in the trial were senators Nancy Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Win Gatchalian, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Grace Poe, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri.
Senators Imee Marcos and Robin Padilla joined in taking their oaths but noted their reservations, a move that underscored the delicate political and legal complexities surrounding the case.
The Senate’s convening as an impeachment court follows Escudero’s swearing-in as presiding officer just a day earlier. As outlined in the 1987 Constitution, only the Senate has the authority to try and decide impeachment cases.
With the words, “The Senate is now convened as an impeachment court, and the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Zimmerman-Duterte is hereby declared open and called to order,” Escudero signaled the official start of what may become a historic trial.
This development places the nation’s attention squarely on the upper chamber of Congress as it embarks on a process that will test both legal arguments and political will—one that could shape the country’s leadership and constitutional future.
Jun 10, 2025
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