Metro Manila, Philippines — The Senate may spend around P12.6 million this year if it convenes as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III disclosed the estimate in a chance interview with reporters on Thursday, April 30.
“Venue, yung pagkain, yung mga security measures, mga ganoon lang… The chairman of the committee on accounts will make sure na everything will be in order,” Sotto said.
He added that the trial will be livestreamed and open to the public. Those who wish to watch in person may do so at the session hall, subject to security protocols.
In a separate interview, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who chairs the committee on accounts, said the chamber spent over P500,000 last year for senators’ robes.
A total of 60 robes worth P7,000 each were made for use by senator-judges.
These were barely used due to debates on convening the impeachment court, until the Supreme Court declared the complaint unconstitutional.
Lacson said about P27 million in continuing appropriations remains available for a possible trial. Any unused funds will be returned to the national treasury, he added.
