Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Monday, April 20, he has met with some members of the majority bloc to discuss the possibility of receiving the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a message to reporters, Sotto said the discussion that took place last week was meant to give his colleagues a “heads up” on the possible impeachment case, which is now being tackled at the House of Representatives.
“It’s best that we prepare for it as senator-judges. I am undergoing a crash program on the rules of court to jibe with our own rules to be sure in case of any eventuality,” he said.
The Senate leader clarified that the meeting was not a caucus but rather a simple dinner “exchanging talks and expectations.”
Minority lawmakers have yet to issue a reaction.
This is not the first time senators have prepared for an impeachment trial against Duterte.
In August 2025, the Senate–then led by Senator Chiz Escudero–archived the impeachment case in light of the Supreme Court ruling that declared the vice president’s impeachment as unconstitutional.
Sotto, who was minority leader at the time, was among the four senators who voted against the move to archive the case.
Duterte is facing two fresh ouster suits for supposed betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, and high crimes, over allegations of fund misuse, threats against the presidential family, and unexplained wealth.
She had skipped the House proceedings and instead challenged their legality before the Supreme Court, citing supposed constitutional flaws.
NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.
