The Senate has scheduled the formal reception of the House panel of prosecutors for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at 4 p.m. on June 2.
In a May 19 letter released Thursday, Senate President Francis Escudero cited Rule I of the Senate’s Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials, saying the proper transmittal of the verified impeachment complaint allows the Senate to prepare for the next steps.
“As stated in our letter dated February 24, 2025, the Senate shall expect the prosecution to read the seven charges under the Articles of Impeachment in open session,” Escudero wrote to Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Following the June 2 reception, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court on June 3 at 9 a.m. to issue summons and other relevant orders.
The Office of the Vice President confirmed receipt of the Senate’s letter on May 19.
Romualdez transmitted Escudero’s letter to the House panel of prosecutors.
The letter exchange marks the transition of the impeachment process from the House to the Senate, which now assumes jurisdiction as the impeachment court.
Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations of grave abuse of power, misuse of confidential and intelligence funds during her time as education chief, and violation of ethical standards for public officials.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte after 215 lawmakers endorsed the fourth impeachment complaint, expediting its approval and sending it to the Senate for trial.
Critics said the use of P125 million in confidential and intelligence funds by the Department of Education under Duterte in 2022 lacked transparency and legal basis.
Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, saying the funds were used legally and for “lawful and urgent” operations.
Malacañang earlier described Duterte’s recent remark about wanting a “bloodbath” in her possible impeachment trial as “somewhat violent,” expressing hope that the comment was not to be taken literally.
“The response of our Vice President was somewhat violent. We hope it’s just a figure of speech,” said Palace Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing.
Duterte made the comment over the weekend while addressing mounting political tensions surrounding calls for her impeachment.
Her statement has since drawn scrutiny, with critics calling it inflammatory.