Senate minority moves to convene impeachment court for Duterte trial

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel on Monday, June 9, formally moved to immediately convene the impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In his motion, Pimentel said the Senate must take the following actions:

+ Suspension of regular legislative business

+ Convening of the impeachment court

+ Oath-taking of Senate President Chiz Escudero as the presiding officer

+ Oath-taking of senator-judges

+ Adoption of an impeachment trial calendar

+ Reading of the Articles of Impeachment on Tuesday, June 10

+ Issuance of summons

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February, citing graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes as grounds.

While it received the complaint on the same day, the Senate adjourned session and did not discuss the articles of impeachment in the plenary.

Escudero said the articles of impeachment will be read on June 2 in the resumption of session, but was rescheduled to June 11. The 19th Congress will adjourn sine die on June 13.

This story is developing.

- With reports from NewsWatch Plus senior correspondent Eimor Santos