Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the Senate will automatically convene as an impeachment court once it receives the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing a constitutional mandate.
“Based on the Constitution, it’s automatic. That’s our job. No matter what others say, what matters is what the Constitution says: when Articles of Impeachment are received, we convene as an impeachment court,” Sotto said on May 4.
Sotto made the statement amid remarks from Sen. Robinhood Padilla that the minority bloc’s role is to oppose matters in the Senate, including the possible impeachment trial.
He emphasized that convening the impeachment court is a constitutional duty, regardless of political positions within the chamber.
“Let’s follow the Constitution, which is to convene once we receive the Articles of Impeachment. That is part of our work, that is part of our job,” he added.
As Senate president, Sotto said he would act as the “catalyst” in bringing the impeachment case to the plenary once transmitted by the House of Representatives.
“I will really be the catalyst… to bring it to the floor. Because it will be sent to me; when it is sent to the Senate, it’s the Senate president who receives it,” he said.
Sotto clarified that convening the impeachment court is separate from the trial process, which would require preparation, including sending the Articles of Impeachment to the respondent and conducting pre-trial proceedings.
“I plan to convene the impeachment court. Convene only. But the trial proper will take some time because there are preparations,” he said.
Under the Constitution, the Senate can convene as an impeachment court after at least one-third, or 106 members, of the House of Representatives approve the Articles of Impeachment.
