07/07/2026
Impeachment Trial – Day 1 Summary
The first day of the impeachment trial focused primarily on procedural matters rather than the presentation of evidence or witness testimony. Here are the key developments:
1. Senate Convened as an Impeachment Court
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero presided over the proceedings as the Presiding Officer. Senator Win Gatchalian assisted by managing procedural documents and notes during the session.
2. BIR Box Not Admitted as Evidence
A box reportedly originating from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was not admitted into evidence at this stage of the proceedings and was ordered returned to the BIR.
3. Motion to Arraign Vice President Sara Duterte Denied
The prosecution's motion to immediately arraign Vice President Sara Duterte was denied, with the impeachment court deciding not to proceed with arraignment at this point.
4. Debate on Procedure and the Rule of Law
During the proceedings, Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III raised a position regarding how the trial should proceed. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano responded by emphasizing that the impeachment court must strictly follow established procedures and due process, stressing that the proceedings should be governed by the rule of law rather than departures from the prescribed rules.
5. Voting Requirement for Conviction Clarified
Presiding Officer Francis Escudero clarified that at least 16 affirmative votes from the senators are required to convict the Vice President, in accordance with the constitutional voting requirement for impeachment cases. He emphasized that the Senate's final vote will determine the outcome of the trial.
Overall, Day 1 was devoted to establishing procedural rules and resolving preliminary motions, setting the stage for the substantive presentation of evidence in the succeeding trial days.