Metro Manila, Philippines – Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian on Thursday, June 4, said he would preside over Vice President Sara Duterte’s looming impeachment trial.
“Well under the rules, since ang Senate president pro tempore is the acting Senate president, tayo ang mag preside ng impeachment,” Gatchalian said in a briefing.
The lawmaker said senator-judges would also have to retake their oath after the leadership shuffle. This time, he would be the new presiding officer of the impeachment court.
“I would have to consult with the clerk of court kung ano ang mga procedures. But definitely pagbukas, kailangan mag-take ng oath,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said he – and not Gatchalian – will preside over the trial since he is the legitimate Senate president.
“I am the Senate president and if you look at the Constitution, it is the Senate president (who will preside),” he said.
The lawmaker also added that the then Solid-11 bloc offered that he would be declared presiding officer only if he steps down – which he declined.
The Senate, convened as the Impeachment Court, convened on May 18 under the leadership of Cayetano after he ousted Sen. Tito Sotto in a session with the surprise appearance of Sen. Bato dela Rosa who has been hiding for months.
Sen. Camille Villar administered the oath to Cayetano as judge as the youngest senator,
Cayetano led the mass oath-taking of all senator-judges.
