Juan Ponce Enrile

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court is looking at ways to make the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte easier for the public to understand without compromising legal procedures, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday. Following observations from some legal experts that the trial has been too technical and legalistic, Gatchalian said the first week of the proceedings has been an adjustment period. “We have to remember this is only the first week.

Senator Chiz Escudero is being touted as presiding officer of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Meaning, he, instead of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, is to chair the proceedings. But Escudero has been weighed and found wanting in that role. He gained notoriety in 2025 for delaying Sara’s trial five long months. As the classic Filipino film goes, “Tinimbang [Siya] Ngunit Kulang.” Suspicion paints Escudero’s promotion as presider.

THE Senate's previous «fathers» or presidents demonstrated statesmanship and professionalism during leadership transitions except one, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said. The senator said former Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano stood out as the only Senate leader who triggered a legislative paralysis because he tried to cling to power. «Statesmen all, except one — I’ve seen the ‘changing of the guard’ in the Senate many, many times.