Sara Duterte's impeachment trial at Senate to be open to public
The public will be able to watch the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in the Senate, which is set to open on July 6.
Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. shared details regarding the upcoming trial in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo. The public can sign up to catch the proceedings in person, as some seats will be allocated for visitors.
"Nakalagay sa rules ng impeachment trial ng Senate na it must be open to the public at all times. Maglalaan tayo ng mga seats na para sa publiko," Bantug said.
Those who want to attend proceedings can walk in, but they must still register with the upper chamber's visitor management system. Bantug said that the Senate is still ironing out details, but Filipinos will likely be able to reserve a seat online.
"'Yung mga free seats na 'di kakailanganin ng staff ng senador, staff ng mga prosecution at defense, 'yan ay ibibigay natin sa publiko," he said. "One-third para sa iimbitahin ng defense, one-third sa iimbitahan ng prosecution, at one-third sa general public."
"Siguro daily, maglalabas kami 'yung pwede mong i-click na link para makapag-reserba ka ng upuan sa session hall."
Seven-month impeachment trial?
In an interview with dwIZ on June 28, Bantug said that the trial could last seven months based on the proposed trial days of both the prosecution and defense.
"If we are indeed reaching 92 trial days, that will be the longest impeachment trial so far," he said.
At the end of 2000 and the start of 2001, former president Joseph Estrada's impeachment trial lasted 23 days after the impeachment court voted not to open a controversial envelope that supposedly contained incriminating evidence. The prosecution panel walked out in protest.
On the other hand, the impeachment trial for the late chief justice Renato Corona in 2012 lasted for 44 days.
Duterte faced a total of four impeachment complaints. The first complaint was filed by a coalition of various organizations on Feb. 2, but was set aside for violating the one-year bar rule. The second was filed on Feb. 9, but was withdrawn to consolidate support for the third complaint.
The third complaint, backed by ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, charged Duterte with culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder or malversation, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
The fourth complaint, endorsed by House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante, similarly alleged constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other impeachable offenses.
The House lawmakers voted 257 in favor of her impeachment during its first regular session on May 11. Twenty-five voted against it, while nine abstained.
If the Senate impeachment court finds her guilty of the charges, Duterte will be removed from her current post and permanently barred from holding public office.
