Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has scheduled May 18, 2026, at 3 pm as the date for the upper chamber to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte. This announcement comes amid widespread speculation that recent turmoil within the Senate could derail the proceedings.
Cayetano, who was elected Senate President on May 11 following a coup against Senator Tito Sotto, emphasized his commitment to the constitutional mandate. In a letter to House Speaker Bojie Dy, he stated that the secretariat has been directed to include the articles of impeachment in the calendar for ordinary business.
“We will follow (the Constitution), there will be no delays,” Cayetano told reporters, asserting that the trial will proceed absent any questions regarding rules and procedures.
The Impeachment Charges
Vice President Duterte was impeached on Monday based on several constitutional grounds. These include allegations of bribery of government officials, unexplained wealth and the misuse of public funds.
The articles of impeachment also cite alleged threats made against the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The House transmitted these articles to the Senate on the night of Wednesday, May 13.
Senate Instability and Security Incidents
The proceedings are unfolding against a backdrop of significant instability within the Senate. Cayetano currently leads a slim 13-person majority and has claimed that Notice active attempts to unseat him.
This instability is further complicated by the disappearance of Senator Bato dela Rosa. Dela Rosa escaped from the Senate on Wednesday night following a gunfire incident on the premises.
Dela Rosa had been under the “protective custody” of the Senate to exhaust legal remedies regarding an active International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war. Cayetano has denied allegations that the shooting was a staged diversion to facilitate Dela Rosa’s exit.
What Could Happen Next
Under Senate Resolution No. 39, the next phase involves the presentation of the articles of impeachment and the issuance of a writ of summons against the Vice President.
The actual commencement of the trial may depend on the discretion of House prosecutors regarding when to present the articles to the Senate. If the current leadership holds, the Senate is likely to set a specific date and time for the consideration of these articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Senate scheduled to convene as an impeachment court?
The Senate is set to convene on May 18, 2026, at 3 pm, or as soon as possible if there are no questions on rules and procedure.
What are the grounds for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment?
The grounds include the alleged misuse of public funds, bribery of government officials, unexplained wealth, and threats against the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Why was Senator Bato dela Rosa in protective custody?
He was under Senate protective custody while seeking legal remedies concerning an active arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court due to his role in the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Do you believe the current Senate leadership can maintain stability throughout the impeachment trial?
