ABS-CBN News Special Coverage: VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial — May 18, 2026

[0:00] This is the Philippines, and we are ANC. [0:13] Robes on this afternoon, the Philippine Senate is expected to officially convene as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte. [0:27] The upper chamber officially received the articles of impeachment from the lower house of representatives on May 13th, that's last Wednesday. [0:37] The articles of impeachment accusing VP Duterte of alleged culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery and other high crimes. [0:50] I'm Michelle Long. [0:51] This is a historic moment happening right now amid talks of another leadership shake-up in the chamber. [0:58] I'm Stanley Palisada, this is ABS-CBN special coverage. [1:01] Another pivotal day in Philippine history as the Senate is set to convene. [1:16] As an impeachment court, members of the upper chamber will take their oath as judges. [1:21] 16 votes out of the 24-member chamber are needed to remove Vice President Sara Duterte from her post and bar her from public office for life. [1:29] On the eve of the convening of the impeachment court, House prosecutors urged the Senate, now dominated by Duterte allies, to be impartial in the process. [1:37] We certainly hope that they will do their job impartially kasi yun naman talaga ang nakalagay. [1:44] Even sa rules nila, they are being asked to exhibit political neutrality. [1:51] That while sitting as senator judges, they should exercise political neutrality. [1:56] In other words, nakafocus lang sila kung ano yung katotohanan, nakafocus lang sila sa pag-examine, pag-scrutinize sa ebidensya at pag-render ng tamang pasya, ng tamang judgment. [2:10] Irrespective of their political inclinations, irrespective of their political beliefs, irrespective of their political affiliation. [2:18] Kiyak po ako, irrespective of who the Senate leadership is, we will be able to convince the senator judges at the convict the Vice President. [2:25] The Marcos administration is distancing itself from the Senate as lawmakers prepare to open impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. [2:38] Now, Malacanang says, the president will not interfere but stresses officials who must be held accountable should face consequences. [2:48] That's as the recent Senate leadership shake-up adds fresh uncertainty to the process. [2:54] Hindi natin mabibigyan ng anong mga paghuhusga sa ngayon, ang mga magiging senator judges, nasa kanila po yan, tandaan lamang po nila na sila ay halal ng bayan. [3:08] Huwag sila magsilbi, sa katulad na sinabi natin, na maging daan para sa pagtakas ng dapat na managot. [3:13] Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano fighting to stay in power amid rumors of yet another leadership coup in the upper chamber head of VP Duterte's impeachment trial. [3:26] Just moments ago, he acknowledged those speculations but adds his 13-member majority was still solid heading into the new week. [3:34] He also fired back at those calling for his resignation as leader of the Senate in the wake of last week's shooting incident. [3:40] It's a privilege serving you, serving our people, serving the Senate. But pag sinabi nilang iiba-direction, I will respect that. [3:50] Many of those who are calling for my resignation are political operators. [3:56] Dati na silang may meaning, nung nasa DFA ako, resign Alan. Nung nasa Speaker's Office ako, resign Alan. Nung minority leader ako, resign Alan. [4:07] Nag-ano lang ngayon, nag-echo lang ngayon dahil nga sa mga pangyayari. But for me, it's concerted effort from day one to get me out because they want someone they can control. [4:22] Former Senate President Coco Pimentel sees no issues with another possible leadership change in the Senate in relation to the luming impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte. [4:32] Rumors have been swirling of another Senate coup to replace Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano who took the post. [4:41] last week from Senator Tito Soto with the support of Duterte's allies in the upper chamber. [4:48] Pimentel says a change in the Senate's leadership even in the middle of Duterte's trial will have no impact on the process. [4:57] Ang sabi ng rules natin and even the Constitution, the Senate President presides over impeachment cases except when it is the President of the Republic of the Philippines who has been impeached. [5:07] So yun, sundin lang po yun. So sa position tayo nakatingin, whoever is the holder of that position. [5:13] No problem kahit na umpisa na yung trial, kahit nag-convince sa umaga, nag-lunch break, by lunchtime, may new decision and a new SP. [5:24] Pag-convince sa hapon, iba na ang mag-reside. No problem. [5:27] In other news, the legal team of Senator Ronald De La Rosa vowing to refute the state's arguments against his arrest by virtue of an order by the International Criminal Court. [5:43] De La Rosa's lawyer, Jimmy Bondoc, insists his client is not a fugitive from justice, contrary to what Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe said in her comment to De La Rosa's petition at the Supreme Court. [5:55] The former police chief is wanted by the ICC for his role in the brutal Duterte drug war. [6:02] The strongly worded reply of the government's chief lawyer argued the state can enforce the ICC warrant without the need for validation by a local court. [6:13] Berberabe also warning extending protections for De La Rosa, who is evading the law, not only deepens the wounds of victims, [6:21] but also sends a chilling message that court protections are strongest for the powerful and weakest for those killed from the drug war. [6:30] We do not agree that he is a fugitive. [6:35] The problem here, and I think most observers have seen this, is the vacillating arguments [6:41] and the way they conveniently invoke rules when it suits them. [6:48] And again, I do not blame them. [6:50] The government has to choose. If they are invoking the domestic law, then our argument goes one way, [6:55] that there is no surrender mechanism in that law, as shown by the deliberations. [6:59] If they are invoking their home statute, then we will argue that, first of all, jurisdiction issue, [7:05] and then number two, that they did not go through the rigors of Article 59, which is submitting to competent judicial authority. [7:13] Bondoc also defending De La Rosa's move to flee the Senate premises in the early hours of May 14. [7:19] That is the act of self-preservation, because we all know that the president has shown that FPR RD, [7:27] until now, his unlawful arrest is under question, and yet he is languishing somewhere in a foreign country beyond the reach of our laws. [7:35] And then, Senator, you have to remember that the circumstances surrounding that they were, [7:41] there were very public pronouncements from the government that the NBI were not deployed there, [7:46] that they will not arrest, and yet there were people there announcing themselves to be NBI. [7:53] I left around 1.30 or 2 a.m., decided to go home, and maybe our client just decided to go home as well. [8:00] Now, I know that that sounds like a coy answer, but even within the legal premise that we are setting, [8:08] he had every right to go in and to go out of the Senate because there was no lawful arrest warrant. [8:19] We now turn you over to the Senate floor where senators are set to take up the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sada Luterte. [8:26] ...panghinirang o kalasag lamang ng makapangyarihan. [8:31] Tulungan niyo po kaming gawing daan. [8:35] Gawing daan din ito tungo sa katarungan at katotohanan para sa bawat Pilipino, [8:41] lalo na sa pinaka-madaling apihin, apihin at abusuhin. [8:48] Panginoong Diyos ng kasaysayan, tulungan niyo po kaming sagutin ang hamon ng panahon [8:53] at unahin ang interes ng bayan at hindi ng sarili. [8:56] Tulungan niyo po kaming bigyang bigat ang hatol ng kasaysayan at hindi ng politika. [9:04] Salamat sa maraming pagkakataon niyo ng pagsagip sa amin sa tila at tiyak na kaguluhan at sakuna. [9:12] Panginoong Diyos na habag, ng habag, katarungan at kasaysayan, [9:17] habang nagaganap ang paglilitis, ingatan niyo ang aming bansa laban sa puot, [9:23] karahasan at kaguluhan, ang galit po ng taong bayan. [9:28] Gawin po ninyong matinding paghahangad sa katotohanan, sa katarungan, hindi sa paghihiganti. [9:36] Magtaas po kayo ng mga pinunong na unawaan na ang tungkulin sa bayan ay sagrado, [9:42] ng mga pinunong tunay na pastol, naglilingkod, hindi inaabuso ang kapangyarihan. [9:48] Padaluyan ninyo ang katarungan sa Pilipinas na parang ilog at ang katwiran na parang batis na hindi natutuyo. [9:59] Sa inyong habag ang paglilitis na ito, gawin niyo pong simula ng pagbabago tungo sa katapatan, pananagutan, paghilom ng aming bayan. [10:10] Sa inyong banal na pangalan, kami ay nananalangin. Amen. [10:15] Thank you, Sen. Pangilinan. [10:19] The Servus Day Vocal Ensemble will lead us in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. [10:25] The group will also render a song entitled, [10:28] Bagani After Singing the National Anthem. [10:30] Good afternoon, dear colleagues, acting majority leader. [15:39] Yes, Mr. President, thank you. [15:41] Mr. President, I move that we dispense with the reading of the journal of the 63rd session, May 13, 2026, and consider... [15:52] I'm sorry, majority leader, we'll do the roll call first. [15:56] May we move for the rolling of the... [15:59] Roll call please, Mr. President. [16:02] To call the roll, Mr. President. [16:06] Sorry. [16:07] There's no objection, we will call the roll. [16:08] Roll call of members. [16:12] Norrible Senator Aquino. [16:14] Senator Cayetano Opia. [16:15] Senator De La Rosa. [16:18] Senator Ejercito. [16:20] Senator Escudero. [16:22] Senator Estrada. [16:24] Senator Gatchalian. [16:26] Senator Goh. [16:28] Senator Hontiveros. [16:30] Senator Lacson. [16:32] Senator Lapid. [16:33] Senator Ligarda. [16:35] Senator Marculeta. [16:37] Senator Marcos. [16:39] Senator Padilla. [16:41] Senator Pangilinan. [16:43] Senator Soto. [16:45] Senator Tulfo Irwin. [16:47] Senator Tulfo Rafi. [16:49] Senator Villanueva. [16:50] Senator Villar Camil. [16:53] Senator Villar Mark. [16:55] Senator Subiri. [16:56] The Senate President is present. [16:58] With 23 senators... [17:12] Senator Bató is absent. [17:15] With 23 senators present, the chair declares presence of a quorum. [17:20] Thank you, Mr. President. [17:21] Before we proceed, may I just be allowed to recognize guests from the gallery, guests of Senator Ligarda, Mayor Marmison of San Rio Antique. [17:31] Mr. President, at this juncture, we would like to, first of all, put on record our sincerest thanks and gratitude for the valuable contribution of our Secretary General of the Senate. [17:52] And I've seen firsthand his sacrifices and willingness to walk the extra mile just to preserve the dignity of the institution. [18:03] So we just want to put that on record. [18:05] At the right time, I think we should honor him with a resolution. [18:09] Yes. [18:09] And you see, also the first to be a section of both the House and the Senate. [18:15] And to be fair, he actually resigned right away. [18:21] I asked him to continue. [18:24] And actually, I'm asking him to continue in a different manner. [18:28] But, dear colleagues, the SecGen Mendoza did a great service to both houses. [18:35] We wanted to put on record, the name is Dong Mendoza, former congressman of the great province of Batangas. [18:42] And with that, Mr. President, and following the relinquishment of the position by our former Secretary of the Senate, [18:49] I move that we proceed to the election of a new Secretary of the Senate. [18:54] So move, Mr. President. [18:55] I consulted the minority leader, and because the SecGen will also be the clerk of court of the impeachment proceeding. [19:03] So there are no objections. [19:05] We will proceed. [19:06] Thank you, Mr. President. [19:08] Mr. President, in accordance to Rule 2, Section 2 of the rules of the Senate, [19:14] may I respectfully nominate Jose Luis Garcia Montales as the new Secretary of the Senate. [19:21] So move, Mr. President. [19:22] Is there any objection? [19:25] Hearing none. [19:26] Thank you, Mr. President. [19:30] And there being no other nominations, may I respectfully move that the period of nominations be closed. [19:39] So move, Mr. President. [19:40] Is there any objection? [19:41] Hearing none. [19:42] The motion is approved. [19:45] Pursuant to the rules of the Senate, there being no other candidate for the position of Senate Secretary, [19:49] the voting will be viva voce. [19:51] Those voting for Attorney Montales, please say aye. [19:58] The ayes have it. [20:02] Congratulations, Attorney Jose Luis Montales. [20:06] Those who are, again, say nay. [20:10] Okay. [20:12] Thank you very much for the ayes have it. [20:18] And Jose Luis Montales is hereby declared as the, proclaimed as the Secretary of the Senate, [20:25] the second to have been both Sec-Gen of the House and the Senate. [20:31] Thank you, Mr. President. [20:33] May I move for a minute suspension to allow our new Senate Secretary to ascend the rostrum and take his oath. [20:41] So move, Mr. President. [20:44] No, no. [20:44] Thank you. [20:45] Thank you. [20:46] All right, so far, 23 senators are present today at the impeachment trial as the Senate opens that session today. [20:56] We heard Joel Villanueva acknowledging the work of Secretary General Dong Mendoza, [21:02] formerly a Batangas representative as Secretary of Senate, and also an election. [21:09] They have nominated and, indeed, elected a new Secretary of the Senate who will work as the Clerk of Court of the impeachment proceedings. [21:17] He is no other than Jose Luis Garcia Montales, only the second to have been both Sec-Gen of the House and the Senate. [21:25] So they're now calling for a one-minute suspension. [21:29] Secretary of the Senate, Jose Luis Garcia Montales, now taking his oath of office. [21:35] That I will well and faithfully discharge to the best of my ability the duties of my present position [21:48] and of all others I may hereafter hold under the Republic of the Philippines [21:58] that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines [22:04] that I will obey the laws [22:08] legal orders and decrees [22:12] promulgated by the duly constituted authorities [22:15] promulgated by the duly constituted authorities [22:17] and maintain true faith and allegiance [22:20] and maintain true faith and allegiance [22:22] to the Republic of the Philippines [22:24] to the Republic of the Philippines [22:25] and that I impose this obligation [22:27] and that I impose this obligation [22:29] upon myself voluntarily [22:31] upon myself voluntarily [22:32] without mental reservation [22:34] without mental reservation [22:36] or purpose of evasion [22:38] or purpose of evasion [22:39] So help me, God. [22:41] So help me, God. [22:45] Thank you, Pia. [23:00] Nandiyan na yung sana. [23:05] Alright, so again, congratulations to the new Secretary of the Senate, Jose Luis Garcia Montales, [23:12] only the second to have been both Sec-Gen of the House and the Senate. [23:15] He will also be serving as the Clerk of Court [23:17] for the impeachment proceedings. [23:20] As you mentioned, Stanley, earlier, there are only 23 senators. [23:23] No surprise, the 24th senator... [23:26] Senator Ronald de la Rosso is a no-show, of course, during this hearing. [23:32] The reference of business. [23:34] Sir, any objection? [23:35] If not, the motion is approved. [23:41] Ready? [23:43] Messages from the House of Representatives. [23:47] Letter from the House of Representatives [23:48] transmitting to the Senate [23:50] 27 copies of Committee Report No. 261 [23:54] on House Resolution No. 989 title. [23:58] Resolution setting forth the articles of impeachment [24:01] against Vice President Sarah Z. Duterte [24:05] together with the annexes thereto [24:07] and 27 USB devices [24:10] containing file copies of the above. [24:14] Referred to the Committee on Rules. [24:19] Letter from the House of Representatives [24:23] transmitting to the Senate [24:25] the sealed box [24:26] containing the documents [24:28] from the Bureau of Internal Revenue [24:29] relative to the impeachment proceedings [24:32] against Vice President [24:33] Sarah Z. Duterte. [24:36] Referred to the Committee on Rules. [24:39] Letter from the House of Representatives [24:41] informing the Senate [24:42] that in accordance with Section 16, [24:45] Rule 6 [24:45] of the Rules of Procedure [24:47] in the Impeachment Proceedings [24:48] of the House of Representatives, [24:50] 20th Congress, [24:52] Representatives Luis Ro, Ridon, [24:54] Gutierrez, Zamora, [24:56] Defensor, Diocno, [24:58] De Lima, [24:59] Bagao, Flores, [25:00] Suwan, [25:01] and Chua [25:02] have been elected [25:03] as prosecutors [25:04] in the impeachment trial [25:05] against Vice President [25:07] Sarah Z. Duterte. [25:09] Referred to the Committee on Rules. [25:11] Acting Majority Leader. [25:24] Mr. President. [25:27] Mr. President. [25:27] The Minority Leader is recognized. [25:31] I heard [25:34] and we saw the notice [25:36] the message [25:37] from the House of Representatives [25:39] and you have referred [25:42] the articles of impeachment [25:43] to the Committee on Rules. [25:45] May we know [25:45] if we have already constituted [25:47] the Committee on Rules? [25:49] The Committee on Rules [25:51] is in the acting capacity. [25:54] So in accordance [25:55] with Section 19, [25:57] the same members [25:59] and Senator Villanueva. [26:02] Actually, [26:03] for your information, [26:05] Minority Leader, [26:05] we were in caucus [26:07] and wanted to meet [26:08] also the minority [26:09] to start reading [26:11] the Committee chairmanships [26:12] but we thought it prudent [26:13] to convene the court first [26:15] and then when we remove our, [26:18] after we convene the court [26:20] and suspend, [26:21] we can go back into session [26:22] to start reading the committees. [26:25] So we, [26:26] I take it that right now [26:28] the Chairman of the Committee on Rules [26:30] is in an acting capacity? [26:32] Yes, Senator Villanueva. [26:33] And the membership [26:34] at this point [26:35] would only be [26:36] the ex-officio members? [26:37] And the members [26:38] before the, [26:40] all positions [26:41] were declared by the government. [26:42] Holdover from the previous? [26:44] Yes, [26:44] in accordance with Section 19. [26:47] Will you refresh me [26:48] with Section 19, [26:50] Your Honor, [26:51] Mr. President? [26:52] Because, [26:52] Yes, yes. [26:54] And to be fair, [26:55] Senator Pangilinan [26:57] has an interpretation question. [26:59] That's why we referred this [27:00] to the Committee on Rules. [27:02] Okay. [27:02] The Chairman and the members [27:03] of the Permanent Committee [27:04] shall commence [27:05] in the exercise [27:07] of their duties upon election. [27:09] They shall cease [27:10] when their successors [27:11] shall have been elected [27:13] or designated. [27:14] So since we have not yet [27:16] elected or designated [27:18] their successors, [27:20] except for the majority leader, [27:22] our interpretation [27:24] that it continues. [27:25] but Senator Pangilinan [27:27] did bring up [27:28] the seeming conflict [27:31] that if it's all [27:32] seats vacant, [27:33] then it's vacant. [27:34] Yes, precisely. [27:35] But then, [27:35] my initial statement [27:37] was that [27:38] you harmonize the rules [27:40] and if you harmonize it [27:42] with, [27:42] pragmatically [27:43] with what's happening, [27:45] then we should never [27:46] have a complete vacancy. [27:49] Having said that, [27:49] it is with the Committee on Rules, [27:50] but I don't think [27:52] Senator Villanueva [27:53] scheduled it for hearing [27:54] until we have [27:55] the permanent members [27:56] just to be sure. [27:58] And we hope to start [27:59] doing that this afternoon. [28:01] We will accept that [28:02] for now, [28:02] Mr. President. [28:03] Thank you, [28:03] Minority Leader. [28:04] We make note [28:07] of the manifestation. [28:08] Thank you. [28:08] And I will note [28:11] and recognize [28:12] not only your observations [28:14] today, [28:14] but the observation [28:15] of Senator Pangilinan. [28:16] And if we need [28:18] to clarify later on, [28:19] it will be a good opportunity [28:20] for us to look [28:21] at the rules [28:22] given the 13.9.2 [28:25] present setup [28:27] unless we are [28:29] overtaken by events. [28:31] Majority Leader? [28:40] Correction, [28:42] Mr. President. [28:43] 13.11. [28:46] Well, [28:47] it hasn't been [28:49] corrected because [28:50] Senator Subiri [28:54] and Senator JV [28:55] said that they [28:56] are independent, [28:57] but same with [29:00] Senator Pia and I. [29:01] We started out [29:02] independent [29:02] and then Senator Subiri [29:04] asked us [29:05] if for the purposes [29:06] of we can join [29:07] the majority. [29:09] So it's their choice [29:10] if they remain [29:10] minority [29:11] or they join [29:13] the majority [29:15] or if you can get [29:16] two more members [29:17] then you will be [29:17] the new majority. [29:19] Yes, Mr. President. [29:20] Mr. President, [29:20] may I? [29:21] Of course. [29:22] Former Senate [29:22] President Dubiri. [29:24] Thank you very much, [29:24] Mr. President. [29:26] I would like to be [29:27] associated with [29:28] the minority bloc, [29:29] Mr. President, [29:30] if I may. [29:32] Binatikos nga ako nila, [29:33] sabi nila na, [29:34] ako'y nag-fen-sitting [29:36] at nag-abstain. [29:38] Nag-abstain lang ako [29:39] para have a free hand [29:40] to vote on which issue [29:41] that I think is important [29:42] for the Filipino people. [29:43] But when it comes [29:44] to the organization, [29:45] I would like to [29:46] associate myself [29:47] for the minority, [29:48] Mr. President. [29:48] Thank you, [29:49] Senator Subiri. [29:54] So, [29:57] Senator Eherstito [29:58] would also like [29:59] to manifest. [30:01] Yes, [30:02] first of all, [30:02] Mr. President, [30:03] I'd like to thank [30:04] Mr. President [30:06] for the trust [30:07] and honor [30:07] that I was offered [30:10] to become [30:10] the majority leader. [30:12] But as I have [30:13] mentioned to you [30:14] personally, [30:15] that as of this time, [30:17] I would rather [30:18] maintain my independence [30:21] and with what is [30:23] happening all over, [30:24] I think I will be able [30:25] to perform my tasks [30:27] very well [30:28] and my pet programs [30:30] very well [30:31] as an independent. [30:32] But again, [30:33] nonetheless, [30:35] Mr. President, [30:36] I would like to thank you [30:37] for the trust [30:37] and confidence. [30:39] Being a majority leader [30:40] is a very, [30:42] of course, [30:43] it's one of the most [30:45] powerful, [30:46] we would say, [30:46] position in the Senate. [30:48] But I guess [30:50] I have, [30:52] at this point, [30:53] I would like [30:54] to maintain [30:54] my independence. [30:55] And I also understand. [30:56] I also recognize [30:58] that you will say [30:59] that you will be [31:00] our number 14. [31:01] But until the time [31:06] that we vote, [31:07] any member, [31:08] we have to respect [31:09] their decision [31:10] and always ascribe [31:12] good faith. [31:13] So we will continue [31:14] to be good friends [31:15] despite the political [31:16] divisions [31:17] or the nomenclature [31:19] of who is in the majority [31:21] or the minority. [31:22] So for the purposes [31:23] of today [31:25] to the future [31:26] and unless [31:27] a change is made, [31:28] will you be [31:29] an independent [31:30] or will you be [31:30] with the minority? [31:31] Yes, [31:32] I'll still, [31:32] for now, [31:35] Mr. President, [31:35] I'll be with the minority. [31:37] Okay. [31:37] But again, [31:38] I would like to thank you [31:39] for that [31:40] and for the respect. [31:42] And we will all [31:43] still be friends. [31:44] Thank you, [31:45] Mr. President. [31:45] Thank you, [31:46] Senator Hershito. [31:47] So the Secretariat [31:49] has not noted [31:50] and we can now [31:51] compute the membership [31:53] at a 1311 proportion [31:57] so that we do not, [32:00] we're not accused [32:01] of any delay. [32:04] I think, [32:06] Majority Leader, [32:07] what's your pleasure [32:08] about the articles [32:09] of impeachment? [32:10] Yes, [32:10] Mr. President, [32:10] just to put on record [32:11] as Senator JV [32:13] made mention, [32:14] his statement [32:15] is for the purposes [32:16] of proportional representation [32:18] in the [32:20] membership [32:23] of committees. [32:25] Also, [32:25] Mr. President, [32:26] Senator Luxon [32:26] asked this representation [32:28] to put also on record [32:30] the membership [32:31] of the Senate Committee [32:33] on Rules [32:34] or ex-official members [32:36] would have to be [32:37] the new ex-official members. [32:39] So just to put that [32:40] on record, [32:40] Mr. President. [32:41] That's a correct observation [32:43] from Senator Luxon. [32:44] Thank you. [32:45] Mr. President, [32:46] with the permission [32:48] of the body, [32:49] the articles of impeachment [32:51] have been referred [32:52] to the Committee [32:54] on Rules. [32:55] May I respectfully move [32:56] to refer the articles [32:57] of impeachment [32:58] to the impeachment court. [33:00] I so move, [33:01] Mr. President. [33:01] Is there any objection? [33:03] There's no objection. [33:05] It is so referred. [33:07] Mr. President, [33:08] may I move [33:09] that we [33:10] suspend the session [33:11] to convene [33:12] the impeachment court. [33:14] So move, [33:14] Mr. President. [33:16] If there's no objection, [33:17] we will suspend [33:18] and convene [33:19] the impeachment court. [33:29] Very interesting [33:29] changes. [33:32] Actually, [33:33] because we were [33:33] witnessing two senators [33:35] who earlier [33:36] abstained [33:36] during last week's coup. [33:38] But now clarified. [33:39] Clarifying their positions, [33:41] which are, [33:41] of course, [33:42] to join the minorities. [33:43] So essentially, [33:44] it's 13, [33:45] 11. [33:46] Who are the 13? [33:47] The 13 in the majority [33:48] block would be [33:49] Senate President [33:50] Alan Peter Cayetano, [33:52] his sister, [33:52] Pia Cayetano, [33:53] Senators Bongo, [33:54] Robin Padilla, [33:56] Loren Legarda, [33:57] Imi Marcos, [33:58] the Villar siblings, [33:59] Camille and Mark, [34:01] Ronald Bato de la Rosa, [34:02] who is a no-show again. [34:04] So we're not sure [34:06] if he's going to be [34:07] participating [34:08] in the impeachment, [34:08] but they say [34:09] even if he [34:11] is not part [34:12] or is suspended [34:13] from the impeachment [34:14] proceedings, [34:15] the 16 votes, [34:17] the two-third votes [34:18] will still be necessary [34:19] to convict [34:20] the Vice President. [34:22] There's Joel Villanueva, [34:23] Jingo Estrada, [34:24] Senators Cheese Escudero [34:25] and Rodante Marcoleta. [34:28] In the minority block now, [34:29] we have 11 names, [34:30] Tito Soto, [34:31] Migsubiri, [34:32] and of course, [34:33] assuming that JBS, [34:34] Tito is still taking [34:35] that minority position. [34:36] We have the Tulfo brothers, [34:38] Irwin and Rafi Tulfo, [34:41] Santorisa Ontiveros, [34:42] Santor Panfilo, [34:43] Gachalian, [34:43] Lito Lapid, [34:45] Kiko Pangilinan, [34:47] and Senator Panfilo Lakson. [34:49] All right. [34:49] As the Senate moves closer [34:51] to Vice President [34:52] Sada Duterte's impeachment trial, [34:53] questions are intensifying [34:54] over whether lawmakers [34:55] have a constitutional duty [34:57] to proceed [34:57] or if politics [34:58] could override the process. [35:00] Joining us today [35:01] is the Dean [35:02] of the Sanbedo University [35:03] School of Law, [35:04] Father Anilio Aquino. [35:06] Dean, thank you so much [35:07] for joining us. [35:08] Hi, sir. [35:08] Good afternoon. [35:11] Good afternoon. [35:13] I'm sure you've been [35:14] monitoring the developments [35:15] at the upper chamber. [35:17] The Senate has referred [35:20] the articles of impeachment [35:22] to the Committee on Rules. [35:25] Do you feel [35:27] that the impeachment complaint [35:29] is progressing? [35:32] Well, at least [35:33] it appears that [35:36] they are in earnest [35:37] about convening [35:38] as an impeachment court. [35:40] I see them robing now, [35:42] so probably [35:43] they are in earnest [35:44] about this. [35:46] I think it's part [35:47] of their procedure [35:48] to refer it [35:50] to the Committee on Rules [35:51] because this is the committee [35:52] that takes part [35:54] of processes [35:54] and proceedings [35:55] before the Senate. [35:56] All right. [35:58] The thing is, [35:59] you need 16 votes [36:00] for that one. [36:02] And, well, [36:03] today we have witnessed [36:04] Senator Subiri [36:06] and JV Elcito [36:07] joining the minority. [36:09] Which makes for 11. [36:11] Five foot short. [36:12] Short. [36:12] Okay, so what do you make [36:15] of the positions there? [36:19] The Senate has no choice. [36:22] It really has to convene [36:24] as a court of impeachment [36:25] and conduct the trial. [36:28] And we will hope [36:30] that our statesmen, [36:32] our senators, [36:33] will act as statesmen [36:35] and decide according [36:36] to the law [36:37] and according to evidence. [36:39] So it's very important [36:40] that the whole nation [36:42] pays attention [36:43] so that the whole nation [36:45] is witness to what happens. [36:47] After all, [36:47] the greatest safeguard [36:49] of the integrity [36:50] of proceedings [36:51] is a vigilant nation. [36:55] Father, [36:58] just very curious [36:59] because it all boils down [37:01] to what they're calling [37:02] the quantum of evidence. [37:04] At least we don't have [37:05] to argue about [37:06] what forthwith means [37:07] because they convene [37:08] immediately. [37:09] But when you look [37:10] at the quantum of evidence, [37:11] it has to be substantial. [37:13] I guess the basic question is [37:14] that they will all [37:15] have to ask themselves [37:16] is this person impeached, [37:19] in this case, [37:20] the Vice President [37:21] Santa Duterte, [37:21] still fit to remain in office [37:23] or should be allowed [37:24] and perpetually banned [37:26] told office. [37:27] So, Father, [37:28] this all boils down [37:29] to conscience? [37:32] Well, yes, [37:33] it boils down to conscience. [37:34] Ultimately, [37:35] voting according [37:36] to what one believes [37:37] is the right vote. [37:39] But it also depends [37:40] a lot on the evidence [37:41] that is presented [37:42] by both parties [37:44] which is why the Senate [37:46] must earnestly pay attention [37:49] to the presentation [37:51] of evidence. [37:52] And it will be very crucial [37:53] to watch how the President [37:55] of the Senate [37:56] rules on issues [37:59] such as admissibility [38:01] of evidence, [38:03] what evidence to allow, [38:04] what evidence to exclude. [38:07] For example, [38:08] the opening of the sealed box [38:11] will be very crucial. [38:12] You will remember [38:13] that in the trial [38:14] of ERAP Estrada, [38:16] former President [38:17] ERAP Estrada, [38:18] it was the opening [38:19] of the envelope [38:22] that triggered [38:23] EDSA-DOS, no? [38:25] So, they have to be [38:26] very careful [38:27] about ruling on that. [38:30] And that affair, [38:32] the Estrada affair, [38:33] just shows [38:34] the power [38:35] of vigilant citizenry, [38:38] which is why [38:38] I call upon [38:39] all fellow Filipinos [38:41] to be watchful, [38:44] to scrutinize [38:47] the actions [38:48] of the senators, [38:49] and of course [38:50] to pray [38:50] that they listen [38:52] to their consciences [38:53] and they do [38:54] what is right. [38:55] Your question [38:56] on the quantum [38:57] of evidence [38:57] is very interesting [38:58] because [38:59] questions have been asked. [39:02] Do they go [39:03] by substantial evidence, [39:04] which is the evidence [39:05] that you use [39:06] in administrative cases? [39:08] Do you go [39:09] by preponderance [39:09] of evidence, [39:11] which is the kind [39:11] of evidence [39:12] you need [39:12] in civil cases? [39:14] Or do you go [39:14] by proof [39:15] beyond reasonable doubt, [39:17] which is [39:18] the quantum [39:19] of proof [39:20] you need [39:20] in criminal cases? [39:22] Well, [39:23] the Senate [39:23] still has to agree [39:24] on that, [39:25] and I wish [39:26] that they would [39:26] make known [39:27] to the public [39:27] the standard [39:28] that they choose. [39:29] all right. [39:30] Father Ranillo, [39:31] have you seen [39:31] the composition [39:32] now of the minority [39:33] and the majority? [39:34] Who do you feel [39:35] would champion [39:37] the impeachment case? [39:43] Or at least [39:44] who are you expecting [39:45] to champion? [39:46] I certainly think [39:50] that those [39:51] in the minority [39:51] now will want [39:54] to see [39:55] the proceedings [39:57] proceed [39:58] as they should proceed. [39:59] But I'd like [40:00] to believe [40:00] that all the members [40:02] of the Senate [40:02] want it to proceed [40:04] as it should proceed. [40:07] Now, [40:07] how many will vote [40:08] for conviction [40:09] and how many [40:11] will vote [40:11] for acquittal? [40:12] We cannot [40:13] say that now [40:14] because it also [40:15] all depends [40:16] on the way [40:17] the prosecutors [40:18] do their job [40:19] and on the way [40:21] the defense [40:21] handles the defense. [40:23] So that [40:24] a lot depends [40:25] actually on [40:26] the processes [40:27] that follow. [40:29] But as I mentioned, [40:31] it is important [40:32] that all pay attention [40:33] to the way [40:34] the proceedings [40:35] are presided [40:36] over by the [40:37] Senate President. [40:39] Father, [40:39] do you think [40:40] it was a wise move [40:41] for the camp [40:42] of Vice President [40:42] Sada Duterte [40:43] to snub [40:44] and skip [40:45] all the House [40:46] inquiries? [40:49] Yes, [40:50] it was very unwise. [40:51] It was very unwise [40:53] because already [40:55] on that level [40:56] they would have [40:57] had a chance [40:58] to refute [40:59] the evidence [41:00] that is now [41:01] going to be used [41:01] against her [41:02] in the impeachment. [41:05] But, [41:05] you know, [41:06] it is a common [41:08] gambit [41:08] for defense [41:09] lawyers [41:10] not to bear [41:11] their evidence [41:12] very soon. [41:14] So it is [41:14] possible [41:15] that they [41:16] have been [41:16] holding back [41:18] whatever evidence [41:19] they have [41:20] in favor [41:20] of the Vice [41:21] President [41:21] and then [41:22] to bear [41:23] that at [41:23] the Senate [41:24] trial. [41:25] But I still [41:26] think it was [41:26] unwise of them [41:27] not to participate [41:28] in the proceedings [41:30] of the Committee [41:31] of Justice [41:31] because that [41:32] would have been [41:33] a chance [41:33] for them [41:34] to refute [41:35] the evidence [41:36] and to rebut [41:37] the evidence [41:38] that was being [41:39] presented. [41:40] Okay, [41:40] let's try to look [41:41] at the prosecution [41:41] now. [41:42] You have a [41:42] formidable lineup [41:43] representing [41:44] the House [41:46] of Representatives [41:47] in this case. [41:50] What can you say [41:51] about the competence [41:51] and maybe the preparedness [41:53] of these personalities [41:54] to prosecute? [41:55] They're very competent. [41:57] If you take a person [41:58] for example [41:59] like Chell Jopno, [42:00] Chell Jopno [42:00] was dean [42:02] of the Tanyada [42:04] Jopno Law School [42:05] of De La Salle University, [42:07] Senator De Lima [42:09] has plenty [42:10] of trial practice, [42:12] Senator Luistro, [42:13] Congressman Luistro. [42:15] They're all [42:15] very competent [42:17] and let's not forget [42:18] aside from them [42:19] there is a whole [42:21] group [42:23] of private lawyers [42:25] who have volunteered [42:26] their services [42:27] as private prosecutors. [42:30] So I think [42:31] the prosecution [42:31] is in good hands. [42:34] But I guess, [42:35] Father Stan, [42:36] it's not just [42:37] how well [42:38] these arguments [42:39] are made. [42:40] We have to consider [42:42] two things [42:42] while we watch [42:44] these impeachment [42:44] proceedings. [42:45] One would be [42:46] public opinion [42:47] and the surveys [42:49] would show us [42:50] that Vice President [42:52] Sara Duterte [42:52] still enjoys [42:53] strong support. [42:55] In fact, [42:55] she's a leading [42:56] in presidential survey. [42:57] So how do you think [42:58] that will affect [42:59] the way [43:00] the senator judges [43:02] will vote? [43:04] And secondly, [43:05] sir, [43:05] one thing that we [43:06] didn't have [43:06] during the Corona [43:07] impeachment [43:07] or the Strada [43:08] impeachment [43:09] was social media. [43:13] Yeah, [43:13] well, [43:13] you know, [43:14] first of all, [43:18] the impeachment [43:18] trial [43:20] is two things [43:22] at once. [43:23] In a sense, [43:24] it is quasi-judicial. [43:26] It participates [43:28] of the nature [43:29] of judicial proceedings. [43:31] On the other hand, [43:32] it is a proceeding [43:33] over which [43:35] politicians preside, [43:37] which is why [43:37] Father Bernas, [43:38] in his treaties [43:39] on constitutional law, [43:42] very aptly calls [43:44] impeachment trials [43:46] an exercise [43:47] in political justice [43:49] because politicians [43:51] determine the fitness [43:53] of a politician, [43:55] in this case, [43:56] the vice president [43:57] of the Philippines, [43:58] to continue [43:59] in public office [44:00] and her fitness [44:01] for occupying [44:03] public office [44:04] again in the future. [44:06] Now, [44:07] while public opinion [44:08] may at the present time [44:10] seem to be in favor [44:12] of the vice president, [44:16] well, [44:16] a fundamental tenet [44:17] of justice [44:18] is to judge [44:20] according to evidence [44:21] and to law [44:22] and not according [44:23] to popularity. [44:26] However, [44:27] considering that [44:28] politicians are judges, [44:31] the pulse [44:33] of public opinion [44:34] will certainly [44:36] get into [44:37] their calculations [44:40] of how [44:40] they should vote [44:42] or in whose favor [44:44] they should incline. [44:45] But let's not forget [44:46] too that public opinion [44:48] may shift [44:49] according to [44:50] what the trial [44:51] shows [44:53] if it is [44:54] very evident [44:55] that [44:57] the vice president [44:59] should be convicted [45:00] or that she [45:01] should be acquitted, [45:02] public opinion [45:04] will, [45:05] I believe, [45:06] also shift. [45:07] Especially considering [45:08] that a very good number [45:10] of the population [45:11] now is composed [45:13] of university [45:14] and college students. [45:15] Okay, [45:16] Father Anilio, [45:17] still on the subject [45:18] of course [45:18] of public opinion, [45:20] there were events [45:21] last week [45:21] that may be [45:22] considered pivotal [45:23] in terms of [45:24] how the impeachment [45:26] is going to pan out. [45:27] Of course, [45:27] that's the Senate [45:28] leadership change [45:29] and the events, [45:31] the escape [45:32] of Senator [45:32] Ronald De La Rosa [45:33] and the events [45:34] that preceded that. [45:36] I don't know [45:36] how much [45:37] that has [45:38] influenced, [45:39] in fact, [45:40] the impeachment case [45:41] for the better [45:43] for worse. [45:43] It's very important [45:46] to read the statement [45:47] of the Catholic [45:48] Bishops' Conference [45:49] of the Philippines, [45:50] no? [45:52] And of course, [45:53] the statement [45:53] made by the [45:54] Law Deans, [45:56] they were disturbed, [45:58] we were disturbed [45:59] by the proceedings [46:00] of the last week, [46:01] the events [46:02] of the last week [46:03] and that shoot [46:05] out in the Senate [46:06] which many [46:08] are convinced [46:09] was scripted [46:10] or pre-planned [46:11] certainly cast [46:14] a pall [46:15] of doubt [46:16] over the [46:18] sincerity [46:18] of some [46:20] of the members [46:21] of the Senate. [46:22] But I hope [46:23] that we can [46:24] all put that [46:25] behind us [46:26] as we start [46:28] the impeachment [46:28] trial. [46:29] But it is really [46:30] my earnest wish [46:32] that the senators [46:34] do us their oaths [46:35] demand that they do. [46:37] Just a few [46:40] legal questions, [46:41] Father. [46:43] Number one, [46:43] do you think [46:45] that the Senate [46:46] as an impeachment [46:47] court will need [46:48] to conduct [46:49] a pre-trial [46:50] which they also did [46:51] during the Corona [46:53] impeachment, [46:54] the pre-trial [46:55] is supposed to, [46:57] you know, [46:58] a pre-trial [46:59] happening before [46:59] the trial proper, [47:00] it will have [47:02] the stipulation [47:03] so they can present [47:06] all the evidence [47:06] all together. [47:08] Do you think, [47:09] are you expecting [47:09] a pre-trial to happen? [47:10] Should it happen [47:11] before the trial proper? [47:12] No. [47:13] Article 11 [47:14] of the Constitution [47:15] allows both [47:16] the lower house [47:17] and the Senate [47:18] to formulate [47:19] their rules [47:20] in impeachment trials [47:21] and it will all [47:22] depend on the rules [47:24] that have been [47:26] formulated, [47:27] if they've already [47:28] formulated the rules. [47:30] I would think [47:31] that an impeachment [47:32] trial would be [47:33] very helpful [47:34] because it's [47:35] or a pre-trial [47:36] because it's [47:37] at the pre-trial [47:38] that you list [47:40] all the witnesses [47:41] you want to present, [47:43] you ask the documents [47:44] to be marked [47:45] because marking [47:46] of documents [47:47] can be problematic [47:48] and can take [47:49] a lot of time [47:50] that stipulations [47:52] are made [47:53] if any stipulations [47:54] are to be made [47:56] and all such [47:58] preliminary matters [48:00] that would go [48:00] a long way [48:01] towards abbreviating [48:03] the proceedings. [48:03] So, it would be [48:04] to the benefit [48:05] of the trial [48:06] if a pre-trial [48:07] were held [48:08] but it really [48:09] all depends [48:10] on the rules [48:11] formulated by the Senate. [48:12] Because we remember [48:13] during the Corona [48:14] impeachment trial, [48:15] they did have [48:16] a pre-trial [48:16] but decided on it [48:17] in the middle [48:18] of the trial proper. [48:19] It was almost [48:20] a month [48:20] of a pre-trial [48:22] then 44 days [48:23] of trial proper [48:24] but with breaks [48:24] in between. [48:25] Another question, sir. [48:27] Do you think [48:28] legally speaking [48:30] based on the rules [48:31] father, [48:32] once the vice president [48:34] is convicted [48:35] for example, [48:36] the perpetual [48:37] disqualification [48:38] from holding [48:39] any more public office [48:41] is that automatic [48:42] or is that [48:42] a separate vote? [48:44] No. [48:45] It comes together [48:46] with conviction. [48:48] In other words, [48:49] when either the president [48:50] or the vice president [48:51] is convicted [48:52] in fact, [48:54] an impeachable [48:54] officer, [48:56] when any impeachable [48:57] officer is convicted [48:58] as a result [49:00] of the impeachment [49:01] trial, [49:03] the disqualification, [49:07] perpetual disqualification [49:08] from public office [49:10] is an ancillary penalty. [49:12] It comes with [49:13] the penalty [49:13] of dismissal [49:14] from office. [49:16] Okay, [49:17] Father Anilio, [49:18] I don't know [49:18] if you're getting [49:19] a sense of deja vu [49:20] here. [49:21] 2000 and 2026, [49:23] of course, [49:23] 2000, [49:24] I'm talking about [49:25] the impeachment [49:25] case of [49:26] former President [49:27] Joseph Estrada [49:28] where there was [49:29] also a Senate [49:30] leadership change [49:31] before. [49:32] They replaced [49:33] Senator Drilon [49:34] as House Speaker [49:35] before the hearings [49:37] began and that [49:38] has somehow [49:39] influenced the outcome [49:40] of the impeachment [49:41] case. [49:42] do you feel [49:43] that it can happen [49:44] again this time? [49:47] You know, [49:48] the big difference [49:49] is that in the case [49:51] of former President [49:53] Joseph Estrada, [49:54] the presiding officer [49:56] was the chief justice [49:57] because the Constitution [49:59] provides that [50:00] when the president [50:01] is on trial, [50:02] the chief justice [50:03] presides. [50:04] In this case, [50:05] it is the Senate [50:06] president apparently [50:08] who is minded [50:09] to preside. [50:10] in fact, [50:11] I have just [50:11] posted a post [50:12] on Facebook [50:13] and I have [50:14] ventured the [50:15] opinion, [50:16] I'm not advancing [50:18] it as a doctrine, [50:19] I have ventured [50:20] the opinion [50:21] that there is [50:21] nothing to [50:22] prevent the [50:22] Senate [50:23] in passing [50:25] a resolution [50:25] requesting the [50:27] chief justice [50:27] to preside [50:28] as a non-voting [50:30] presiding officer [50:31] over the trial [50:33] of the vice [50:33] president [50:34] in order to [50:35] dispel any [50:36] doubts as to [50:37] impartiality [50:38] of the [50:39] presiding officer [50:40] but that is [50:40] a private [50:41] opinion on my [50:42] part [50:43] and I leave [50:44] that to the [50:45] discernment [50:45] of the Senate. [50:47] What about [50:47] the Senate [50:48] just going [50:49] through the [50:49] motions [50:50] of hearing [50:51] this case? [50:52] I didn't [50:55] get your [50:55] question, [50:56] please. [50:56] Yes, [50:56] what about [50:57] the possibility [50:58] that the Senate [50:59] can just go [50:59] through the [50:59] motions [51:00] of hearing [51:01] the case [51:01] without [51:02] that conviction? [51:04] All persons [51:05] are commanded [51:06] to keep silent [51:07] under pain [51:08] of penalty [51:09] while the [51:10] Senate is [51:10] sitting in [51:11] trial on [51:12] the articles [51:13] of impeachment [51:13] against [51:14] Vice [51:14] President [51:15] Sarah [51:15] Zimmerman [51:16] Duterte. [51:17] The clerk [51:18] of court [51:19] will please [51:19] call the [51:20] roll. [51:21] Roll call [51:22] of members [51:22] the [51:23] Honorable [51:23] Senator [51:24] Judges [51:24] Aquino [51:25] Cayetano [51:27] Pia [51:27] De La [51:28] Rosa [51:29] Ejercito [51:30] Escudero [51:32] Estrada [51:34] Gatchalian [51:35] Go [51:37] Ontiveros [51:39] Lacson [51:40] Lapid [51:42] Legarda [51:43] Marcoleta [51:45] Marcos [51:47] Padilla [51:49] Pangilinan [51:51] Soto [51:52] III [51:52] Tulfo [51:55] Irwin [51:55] Tulfo [51:57] Rafi [51:57] Villoneva [51:59] Villar [52:00] Camille [52:01] Villar [52:02] Mark [52:03] Zubiri [52:04] The Senate [52:05] President [52:06] With 23 [52:08] Senator [52:09] Judges [52:10] present [52:10] the chair [52:11] declares [52:11] the presence [52:12] of a [52:12] quorum [52:13] Senator [52:15] Judge [52:16] Villanueva [52:16] Yes [52:17] Mr. [52:19] President [52:19] Sir [52:21] Presiding [52:21] Officer [52:22] May we [52:23] request [52:24] Senator [52:24] Judge [52:25] Camille [52:25] Villar [52:26] to ascend [52:27] the [52:27] rostrum [52:27] to [52:28] administer [52:28] the [52:28] oath [52:29] of the [52:29] Senate [52:29] President [52:30] Please [53:08] raise [53:08] your [53:08] right [53:09] hand [53:09] impeachment [53:10] trial [53:11] of [53:11] Vice [53:11] President [53:12] Sarah [53:12] Zimmerman [53:13] Duterte [53:13] I [53:14] state [53:15] your [53:15] name [53:16] I [53:16] solemnly [53:20] swear [53:20] that in [53:22] all [53:23] things [53:23] appertaining [53:24] to the [53:24] trial [53:25] of [53:25] the [53:25] impeachment [53:26] of [53:27] Vice [53:27] President [53:27] Sarah [53:28] Zimmerman [53:28] Duterte [53:29] that in [53:30] all [53:30] things [53:31] appertaining [53:31] to the [53:32] trial [53:32] of [53:32] the [53:32] impeachment [53:33] of [53:33] Vice [53:33] President [53:34] Sarah [53:34] Zimmerman [53:35] Duterte [53:35] now [53:37] pending [53:37] I [53:39] will [53:39] do [53:39] impartial [53:40] justice [53:41] according [53:41] to the [53:42] Constitution [53:43] and [53:45] laws [53:46] of [53:52] the [53:52] Philippines [53:53] and [53:53] the [53:53] laws [53:53] of [53:53] the [53:54] Philippines [53:54] so [53:54] help [53:55] me [53:55] God [53:55] so [53:55] help [53:56] me [53:56] God [53:56] at [54:05] this [54:05] time [54:05] I [54:05] will [54:05] administer [54:06] the [54:06] oath [54:06] of [54:06] each [54:07] of [54:07] the [54:08] senator [54:08] judges [54:08] in [54:09] the [54:09] chamber [54:09] in [54:09] conformity [54:10] with [54:10] article [54:11] 11 [54:13] section [54:13] 3 [54:14] paragraph [54:14] 6 [54:14] of [54:15] the [54:15] Philippine [54:15] Constitution [54:16] and [54:16] rule [54:16] 3 [54:17] of [54:17] the [54:18] Senate [54:18] rules [54:18] of [54:18] procedure [54:19] on [54:19] impeachment [54:20] trials [54:20] may [54:24] we [54:24] request [54:25] everyone [54:25] to [54:26] rise [54:26] same [54:30] all [54:30] same [54:33] state [54:42] your [54:42] name [54:43] solemnly [54:46] swear [54:46] that [54:48] in [54:48] all [54:49] things [54:49] pertaining [54:51] to [54:52] the [54:54] Sarah [54:54] Zimmerman [54:55] Duterte [54:55] now [55:01] pending [55:02] I [55:03] will [55:04] do [55:04] impartial [55:04] justice [55:05] according [55:07] to the [55:08] constitution [55:08] and the [55:09] laws [55:09] of [55:09] the [55:09] Philippines [55:10] so [55:13] help [55:13] me [55:13] God [55:14] senator [55:21] judge [55:22] Villanueva [55:22] thank you [55:24] Mr. [55:24] President [55:25] last [55:26] Thursday [55:27] May [55:28] 14 [55:28] 20 [55:29] 26 [55:29] the [55:30] House [55:31] of [55:31] Representatives [55:32] through [55:33] Secretary [55:33] General [55:34] Celoy [55:34] Garafil [55:35] personally [55:36] delivered [55:36] to the [55:37] Senate [55:37] the [55:37] articles [55:38] of [55:38] impeachment [55:39] against [55:40] Vice [55:40] President [55:41] Sarah [55:41] Zimmerman [55:42] Duterte [55:43] pursuant [55:45] to [55:45] article [55:45] 11 [55:46] section [55:47] 3 [55:47] paragraph [55:48] 3 [55:48] of the [55:49] constitution [55:49] and [55:50] rule [55:51] 4 [55:51] section [55:52] 11 [55:52] of [55:53] the [55:53] rules [55:53] of [55:53] procedure [55:54] in [55:54] impeachment [55:55] proceedings [55:56] of the [55:57] House [55:57] of [55:57] Representatives [55:58] earlier [55:59] today [56:00] the [56:00] articles [56:01] of [56:01] impeachment [56:01] were [56:02] referred [56:02] to [56:02] the [56:03] committee [56:03] on [56:03] rules [56:03] and [56:04] consequently [56:04] to [56:05] the [56:05] Senate [56:05] sitting [56:06] as [56:06] an [56:06] impeachment [56:07] court [56:07] Mr. [56:08] President [56:08] the [56:09] articles [56:10] of [56:10] impeachment [56:10] against [56:11] Vice [56:11] President [56:12] Sarah [56:12] Zimmerman [56:13] Duterte [56:13] with [56:14] its [56:14] annexes [56:15] are [56:15] now [56:15] presented [56:16] to [56:16] the [56:16] court [56:17] for [56:17] proper [56:17] disposition [56:18] and [56:19] action [56:19] The [56:21] same [56:21] is [56:21] duly [56:22] noted [56:22] and [56:22] made [56:23] of [56:23] record [56:23] For [56:30] the [56:30] record [56:30] resolution [56:31] number [56:31] 39 [56:32] or [56:32] the [56:32] rules [56:33] of [56:33] procedure [56:34] on [56:34] impeachment [56:35] trial [56:35] shall [56:35] continue [56:36] to [56:36] apply [56:36] We [56:37] further [56:38] note [56:38] that [56:38] Rule 6 [56:39] thereof [56:40] which [56:40] provide [56:41] that the [56:41] provisions [56:42] of the [56:42] rules [56:42] of the [56:43] Senate [56:43] and the [56:44] revised [56:44] rules [56:45] of [56:45] court [56:45] shall [56:45] apply [56:46] supletorily [56:47] whenever [56:48] applicable [56:49] The [56:52] court [56:53] having [56:53] been [56:53] organized [56:54] and the [56:57] articles [56:58] of [56:58] impeachment [56:59] having [56:59] been [56:59] presented [57:00] let [57:01] a [57:01] writ [57:01] of [57:01] summons [57:02] be [57:02] issued [57:02] to [57:03] the [57:03] Vice [57:03] President [57:04] Zara [57:04] Zimmerman [57:05] Duterte [57:05] who [57:06] is [57:06] directed [57:07] to [57:07] file [57:07] her [57:07] answer [57:08] within [57:08] a [57:08] non-extendable [57:09] period [57:10] of [57:10] 10 [57:10] days [57:10] from [57:11] receipt [57:11] pursuant [57:12] to [57:13] Article 7 [57:13] of [57:14] the [57:14] rules [57:14] of [57:14] procedure [57:15] of [57:15] impeachment [57:16] trial [57:16] she [57:17] is [57:17] directed [57:18] to [57:18] appear [57:18] before [57:18] the [57:19] session [57:19] hall [57:23] The [57:24] Sergeant [57:24] of [57:24] Arms [57:25] is [57:25] directed [57:25] to [57:25] serve [57:26] the [57:26] written [57:26] summons [57:27] on [57:28] Vice [57:28] President [57:29] Zara [57:29] Duterte [57:30] along [57:30] with [57:30] a [57:30] copy [57:31] of [57:31] the [57:31] articles [57:31] of [57:31] impeachment [57:32] The [57:33] prosecution [57:33] may [57:34] file [57:34] a [57:35] reply [57:35] within [57:36] an [57:36] non-extendable [57:38] period [57:38] of [57:38] five [57:39] days [57:39] from [57:40] receipt [57:40] of [57:41] the [57:41] answer [57:42] The [57:42] parties [57:43] may [57:43] file [57:44] their [57:44] pleadings [57:44] and [57:45] annexes [57:45] in [57:45] person [57:46] or [57:47] through [57:47] electronic [57:48] mail [57:48] All [57:49] other [57:49] pleadings [57:50] motions [57:51] similar [57:51] papers [57:52] intended [57:52] for [57:52] the [57:53] consideration [57:53] of [57:53] this [57:54] court [57:54] may [57:55] be [57:55] filed [57:55] electronically [57:56] We [57:57] will [57:57] circulate [57:58] the [57:58] specific [57:58] instructions [57:59] on [58:00] the [58:00] format [58:01] for [58:01] the [58:01] pleadings [58:02] and [58:02] manner [58:02] of [58:02] electronic [58:03] filing [58:03] for [58:04] the [58:04] guidance [58:05] of [58:05] all [58:06] parties [58:07] Senator [58:11] Judge [58:11] Thank you [58:12] Mr. [58:14] President [58:14] may we [58:15] be [58:15] clarified [58:15] when you [58:16] say [58:16] 10 [58:17] days [58:17] is that [58:18] working [58:18] days [58:18] or [58:19] calendar [58:19] days [58:19] calendar [58:20] days [58:21] and [58:23] including [58:23] the [58:24] five [58:24] days [58:24] for [58:26] the [58:27] prosecution [58:27] to [58:27] respond [58:28] Yes [58:29] Your [58:29] Honor [58:29] Thank [58:30] you [58:30] The [58:31] Clerk [58:32] of [58:32] Court [58:32] is [58:33] hereby [58:34] authorized [58:36] to [58:36] calendar [58:36] the [58:36] case [58:37] for [58:37] pretrial [58:38] and [58:39] issue [58:39] the [58:40] corresponding [58:40] notices [58:41] to the [58:41] parties [58:41] after the [58:42] last [58:43] pleading [58:43] is [58:44] filed [58:44] upon [58:46] conclusion [58:46] of [58:46] the [58:47] pretrial [58:47] the [58:48] trial [58:48] proper [58:49] shall [58:49] commence [58:50] on a [58:50] date [58:50] and [58:50] time [58:51] fixed [58:51] by [58:51] the [58:51] court [58:52] of [58:53] which [58:53] the [58:53] parties [58:54] shall [58:54] be [58:54] duly [58:54] notified [58:55] I [58:56] approached [58:57] members [58:59] of the [58:59] minority [59:00] of the [59:00] Senate [59:00] and later [59:01] on [59:01] I will [59:02] approach [59:02] the [59:02] senator [59:02] judges [59:03] that [59:04] we [59:04] will [59:05] fix [59:05] the [59:05] calendar [59:06] together [59:06] and [59:07] in [59:09] pursuit [59:10] of [59:10] impartial [59:11] justice [59:11] we will [59:12] come up [59:12] with [59:12] a [59:13] impeachment [59:15] calendar [59:15] that [59:16] is [59:16] fair [59:17] to the [59:18] prosecution [59:18] and to [59:19] the [59:19] defense [59:19] and [59:20] will [59:21] allow [59:21] us [59:21] to [59:21] continue [59:22] to [59:22] function [59:22] in [59:23] the [59:23] legislative [59:24] side [59:24] of [59:25] our [59:25] work [59:26] any [59:31] other [59:31] matter [59:31] no [59:33] other [59:33] matter [59:34] the [59:35] session [59:35] is [59:35] suspended [59:36] right [59:40] suspension [59:41] is [59:41] the [59:42] session [59:43] is [59:43] suspended [59:44] as of [59:45] the [59:45] moment [59:45] following [59:46] several [59:46] developments [59:47] there [59:47] as [59:47] the [59:48] Senate [59:49] convened [59:50] as an [59:50] impeachment [59:50] court [59:51] officially [59:51] with [59:53] 23 [59:54] members [59:54] present [59:55] so [59:55] a [59:56] quorum [59:56] has [59:56] been [59:57] declared [59:57] Senate [59:58] President [59:59] Alan [59:59] Peter [59:59] Cayetano [1:00:00] and [1:00:00] Senate [1:00:00] judges [1:00:01] took [1:00:01] oath [1:00:01] as well [1:00:02] to do [1:00:02] impartial [1:00:03] justice [1:00:04] or [1:00:04] serve [1:00:04] impartial [1:00:05] justice [1:00:05] according [1:00:06] to [1:00:06] Philippine [1:00:07] laws [1:00:08] and [1:00:08] the [1:00:08] constitution [1:00:09] and [1:00:10] the [1:00:10] writ [1:00:10] of [1:00:10] summons [1:00:11] is [1:00:11] going [1:00:11] to [1:00:11] be [1:00:11] issued [1:00:12] to [1:00:12] the [1:00:13] vice [1:00:13] president [1:00:13] who [1:00:14] is [1:00:14] directed [1:00:14] to [1:00:14] file [1:00:14] her [1:00:15] answer [1:00:15] within [1:00:15] 10 [1:00:16] working [1:00:16] days [1:00:17] from [1:00:17] receipt [1:00:18] she [1:00:19] will [1:00:19] be [1:00:19] directed [1:00:20] to [1:00:20] appear [1:00:20] before [1:00:21] the [1:00:21] Senate [1:00:21] Hall [1:00:21] upon [1:00:22] notice [1:00:22] the [1:00:23] sergeant [1:00:23] at [1:00:23] arms [1:00:23] is [1:00:24] directed [1:00:24] to [1:00:24] serve [1:00:24] the [1:00:24] written [1:00:25] summons [1:00:25] along [1:00:25] with [1:00:26] a [1:00:26] copy [1:00:26] of [1:00:26] the [1:00:26] articles [1:00:26] of [1:00:27] impeachment [1:00:27] the [1:00:29] prosecution [1:00:29] may [1:00:30] file [1:00:30] the [1:00:30] reply [1:00:31] within [1:00:31] a [1:00:31] non-extendable [1:00:32] period [1:00:32] of [1:00:32] five [1:00:32] days [1:00:33] five [1:00:33] working [1:00:34] days [1:00:34] from [1:00:35] receipt [1:00:35] parties [1:00:36] may [1:00:36] file [1:00:36] and [1:00:38] annexes [1:00:38] in [1:00:39] person [1:00:39] or [1:00:39] through [1:00:39] electronic [1:00:40] mail [1:00:41] so [1:00:41] all [1:00:41] of [1:00:42] the [1:00:42] days [1:00:42] here [1:00:42] referred [1:00:43] to [1:00:43] would [1:00:43] be [1:00:43] calendar [1:00:44] days [1:00:45] not [1:00:45] working [1:00:46] days [1:00:46] Senator [1:00:46] Tito Soto [1:00:47] clarifying [1:00:48] that one [1:00:49] of course [1:00:49] parties [1:00:49] will be [1:00:50] duly [1:00:50] notified [1:00:51] of [1:00:51] these [1:00:51] dates [1:00:52] called [1:00:53] the [1:00:53] impeachment [1:00:53] calendar [1:00:54] which [1:00:55] they [1:00:55] will be [1:00:55] fixing [1:00:56] together [1:00:56] and [1:00:58] House [1:00:58] Speaker [1:00:59] Senate [1:01:00] President [1:01:00] Alan [1:01:01] Peter [1:01:01] Cayetano [1:01:02] was [1:01:02] saying [1:01:02] would [1:01:03] be [1:01:03] fair [1:01:03] for [1:01:04] both [1:01:04] defense [1:01:05] and [1:01:06] the [1:01:06] prosecution [1:01:07] so [1:01:07] Stanley [1:01:08] I [1:01:08] think [1:01:08] Father [1:01:09] Anilio [1:01:09] Aquino [1:01:09] is still [1:01:09] with [1:01:10] us [1:01:11] over [1:01:12] Zoom [1:01:13] Hi [1:01:13] Father [1:01:13] Hi [1:01:15] Alright [1:01:17] so [1:01:17] so far [1:01:18] your [1:01:19] impression [1:01:19] of [1:01:20] the [1:01:21] convening [1:01:21] the [1:01:21] official [1:01:21] convening [1:01:22] of [1:01:22] the [1:01:22] Senate [1:01:23] as [1:01:23] impeachment [1:01:23] court [1:01:24] Well [1:01:26] these [1:01:26] were [1:01:26] the [1:01:26] preliminaries [1:01:27] the [1:01:30] order [1:01:30] was [1:01:30] given [1:01:31] by [1:01:31] the [1:01:32] Senate [1:01:34] President [1:01:35] to the [1:01:35] Sergeant [1:01:35] at Arms [1:01:36] to serve [1:01:36] the [1:01:37] writ [1:01:37] of [1:01:37] summons [1:01:38] upon [1:01:38] the [1:01:39] vice [1:01:39] president [1:01:39] that [1:01:40] is [1:01:40] procedural [1:01:40] that [1:01:41] is [1:01:41] a [1:01:42] requirement [1:01:42] of [1:01:43] due [1:01:43] process [1:01:44] and [1:01:45] a [1:01:47] period [1:01:48] was [1:01:48] given [1:01:49] to [1:01:50] the [1:01:50] prosecution [1:01:51] to [1:01:51] respond [1:01:52] I [1:01:52] do [1:01:52] not [1:01:53] know [1:01:53] what [1:01:54] they [1:01:54] are [1:01:54] supposed [1:01:54] to [1:01:55] respond [1:01:55] to [1:01:55] because [1:01:56] the [1:01:56] writ [1:01:57] of [1:01:57] summons [1:01:57] is [1:01:57] nothing [1:01:58] but [1:01:58] a [1:01:58] command [1:01:58] to [1:01:59] the [1:02:00] vice [1:02:00] president [1:02:00] as [1:02:01] respondent [1:02:02] to [1:02:02] attend [1:02:03] the [1:02:03] proceedings [1:02:03] so [1:02:04] I'm [1:02:04] not [1:02:05] really [1:02:05] too [1:02:05] sure [1:02:05] about [1:02:06] what [1:02:07] the [1:02:07] Senate [1:02:07] expects [1:02:08] the [1:02:08] prosecution [1:02:09] to [1:02:09] respond [1:02:09] to [1:02:10] but [1:02:10] as [1:02:10] of [1:02:10] procedure [1:02:11] is that [1:02:12] proper [1:02:12] that [1:02:12] the [1:02:12] prosecution [1:02:13] would [1:02:13] respond [1:02:14] at least [1:02:14] after [1:02:15] the [1:02:16] defense [1:02:16] has presented [1:02:17] the evidence [1:02:18] and all [1:02:19] material documents [1:02:20] require [1:02:21] the [1:02:25] and all [1:02:26] the [1:02:27] evidence [1:02:28] there is [1:02:28] a period [1:02:29] given [1:02:29] for [1:02:30] rebuttal [1:02:30] for [1:02:31] rebuttal [1:02:31] evidence [1:02:32] and [1:02:33] that [1:02:33] is [1:02:34] really [1:02:34] procedural [1:02:35] but [1:02:36] to [1:02:37] require [1:02:37] the [1:02:37] prosecution [1:02:38] to [1:02:39] respond [1:02:40] this [1:02:40] early [1:02:40] that's [1:02:41] exactly [1:02:41] what [1:02:41] I'm [1:02:42] not [1:02:42] too [1:02:42] sure [1:02:42] about [1:02:42] what [1:02:43] do [1:02:43] they [1:02:44] want [1:02:44] the [1:02:44] prosecution [1:02:45] to [1:02:45] respond [1:02:46] to [1:02:46] because [1:02:47] all [1:02:47] that [1:02:47] has [1:02:47] been [1:02:47] done [1:02:48] is [1:02:48] the [1:02:48] issuance [1:02:48] of [1:02:49] the [1:02:49] rate [1:02:49] of [1:02:50] summons [1:02:50] and [1:02:50] then [1:02:51] the [1:02:51] decision [1:02:54] to [1:02:55] set up [1:02:56] a calendar [1:02:56] date [1:02:57] establish [1:02:57] a calendar [1:02:58] date [1:02:58] hearing [1:03:01] dates [1:03:01] that [1:03:02] will be [1:03:02] acceptable [1:03:03] to both [1:03:04] the [1:03:04] Senate [1:03:05] and the [1:03:05] prosecutors [1:03:06] I think [1:03:07] Father Stan [1:03:08] this whole [1:03:09] impeachment [1:03:09] trial [1:03:10] will all [1:03:10] be in [1:03:10] the [1:03:11] run-up [1:03:11] to the [1:03:12] 2028 [1:03:13] presidential [1:03:13] elections [1:03:14] and I [1:03:15] wonder [1:03:16] I wonder [1:03:17] is there [1:03:17] a [1:03:17] scenario [1:03:18] possible [1:03:19] scenario [1:03:19] Father [1:03:20] where [1:03:20] the [1:03:20] impeached [1:03:21] official [1:03:21] decides [1:03:22] to [1:03:23] just [1:03:23] resign [1:03:24] so [1:03:25] the [1:03:25] trial [1:03:25] does [1:03:26] not [1:03:26] push [1:03:26] through [1:03:26] and [1:03:27] she [1:03:28] will [1:03:28] not [1:03:28] be [1:03:28] barred [1:03:29] or [1:03:29] disqualified [1:03:29] from [1:03:30] holding [1:03:30] office [1:03:31] of [1:03:32] course [1:03:33] that's [1:03:33] always [1:03:33] possible [1:03:34] but [1:03:36] there [1:03:36] are [1:03:36] two [1:03:37] things [1:03:37] to [1:03:37] consider [1:03:37] there [1:03:38] the [1:03:38] Senate [1:03:38] may [1:03:39] nevertheless [1:03:39] decide [1:03:40] to [1:03:40] continue [1:03:40] with [1:03:40] impeachment [1:03:41] to [1:03:42] determine [1:03:42] whether [1:03:43] or not [1:03:43] she [1:03:43] should [1:03:43] be [1:03:43] disqualified [1:03:44] from [1:03:44] public [1:03:45] office [1:03:45] or [1:03:45] if [1:03:47] she [1:03:47] resigns [1:03:48] and [1:03:48] ceases [1:03:48] to [1:03:48] be [1:03:49] vice [1:03:49] president [1:03:49] there [1:03:50] is [1:03:50] nothing [1:03:50] to [1:03:51] stop [1:03:51] concerned [1:03:52] citizens [1:03:52] and [1:03:53] concerned [1:03:53] civic [1:03:54] groups [1:03:54] from [1:03:55] filing [1:03:55] charges [1:03:56] with [1:03:56] the [1:03:56] office [1:03:57] of [1:03:57] the [1:03:57] ombudsman [1:03:57] that [1:03:58] may [1:03:58] still [1:03:58] result [1:03:59] in [1:03:59] her [1:03:59] disqualification [1:04:00] so [1:04:01] so [1:04:01] so [1:04:01] so [1:04:01] just [1:04:01] to [1:04:01] clarify [1:04:02] father [1:04:02] even [1:04:03] if [1:04:03] the [1:04:03] impeached [1:04:04] official [1:04:04] decides [1:04:05] to [1:04:06] resign [1:04:06] the [1:04:07] trial [1:04:07] the [1:04:08] impeachment [1:04:08] trial [1:04:08] can [1:04:09] still [1:04:09] push [1:04:09] through [1:04:10] because [1:04:11] there's [1:04:11] still [1:04:11] the [1:04:12] matter [1:04:12] of [1:04:12] determining [1:04:12] whether [1:04:13] she [1:04:13] should [1:04:13] be [1:04:14] perpetually [1:04:15] disqualified [1:04:16] from [1:04:16] public [1:04:17] office [1:04:17] or not [1:04:17] of course [1:04:18] many [1:04:20] maintain [1:04:20] the [1:04:21] school [1:04:21] of [1:04:21] thought [1:04:21] that [1:04:21] since [1:04:22] she [1:04:23] is no [1:04:23] longer [1:04:23] vice [1:04:23] president [1:04:24] she's [1:04:24] no [1:04:24] longer [1:04:25] subject [1:04:25] to [1:04:25] impeachment [1:04:26] but [1:04:27] applying [1:04:27] the [1:04:27] analogous [1:04:28] rule [1:04:28] in [1:04:28] administrative [1:04:29] cases [1:04:30] the [1:04:30] resignation [1:04:31] or [1:04:31] retirement [1:04:32] of [1:04:32] an [1:04:32] official [1:04:33] does [1:04:34] not [1:04:34] necessarily [1:04:35] absolve [1:04:36] him [1:04:36] or her [1:04:37] from [1:04:38] administrative [1:04:39] liability [1:04:39] because [1:04:40] whatever [1:04:42] fines [1:04:43] may be [1:04:44] imposed [1:04:44] and [1:04:45] whatever [1:04:45] disqualifications [1:04:46] may be [1:04:47] imposed [1:04:47] will still [1:04:48] be [1:04:48] determined [1:04:48] but [1:04:49] I think [1:04:52] the safer [1:04:52] thing to [1:04:53] say is [1:04:53] if she [1:04:54] resigns [1:04:55] then the [1:04:55] Senate [1:04:55] will end [1:04:57] its [1:04:57] proceedings [1:04:57] but [1:04:58] that [1:04:59] does [1:05:00] not [1:05:00] necessarily [1:05:01] get her [1:05:02] off the [1:05:02] hook [1:05:02] because [1:05:03] I am [1:05:04] sure [1:05:04] that [1:05:05] there [1:05:05] are [1:05:06] many [1:05:06] who [1:05:06] will [1:05:06] use [1:05:06] the [1:05:07] evidence [1:05:07] so far [1:05:08] gathered [1:05:09] by the [1:05:09] Committee [1:05:09] on Justice [1:05:10] of the [1:05:11] Lower [1:05:11] House [1:05:11] to file [1:05:12] an [1:05:13] administrative [1:05:13] case [1:05:14] and of [1:05:15] course [1:05:15] criminal [1:05:15] cases [1:05:16] also [1:05:16] with [1:05:17] the [1:05:17] Office [1:05:17] of [1:05:17] the [1:05:17] Ombudsman [1:05:18] Stan [1:05:20] Father [1:05:20] if I [1:05:20] can just [1:05:21] share [1:05:21] we have [1:05:22] this [1:05:22] from [1:05:22] our [1:05:22] reporter [1:05:23] in the [1:05:24] Senate [1:05:24] our [1:05:24] correspondent [1:05:25] Victoria [1:05:25] Tulad [1:05:26] saying [1:05:26] that [1:05:26] Senator [1:05:26] Robin [1:05:27] Padilla [1:05:27] as we [1:05:28] all know [1:05:29] is present [1:05:29] in today's [1:05:30] session [1:05:30] but he [1:05:30] refuses [1:05:31] to confirm [1:05:31] if he [1:05:32] left the [1:05:33] Senate [1:05:33] with [1:05:33] Senator [1:05:33] Ronald [1:05:34] Bato [1:05:34] Dalarosa [1:05:35] last May [1:05:35] 14 [1:05:36] he tells [1:05:37] reporters [1:05:37] to wait [1:05:37] for the [1:05:38] investigation [1:05:38] Padilla [1:05:39] is confident [1:05:40] Dalarosa [1:05:40] will not [1:05:41] leave the [1:05:41] country [1:05:41] because [1:05:42] he [1:05:42] loves [1:05:42] the [1:05:43] Philippines [1:05:44] what [1:05:46] what [1:05:46] do you [1:05:46] make [1:05:46] of [1:05:46] that [1:05:46] father [1:05:47] well [1:05:48] if [1:05:48] he [1:05:48] loves [1:05:49] the [1:05:49] Philippines [1:05:49] let [1:05:50] him [1:05:50] show [1:05:50] how [1:05:51] sincere [1:05:52] that [1:05:53] love [1:05:53] is [1:05:53] by [1:05:54] abiding [1:05:54] by [1:05:54] the [1:05:54] rule [1:05:55] of [1:05:55] law [1:05:55] and [1:05:55] submitting [1:05:56] to [1:05:56] lawful [1:05:57] legal [1:05:57] processes [1:05:58] you [1:05:59] know [1:05:59] this [1:05:59] is [1:06:00] something [1:06:00] that [1:06:00] many [1:06:01] observers [1:06:03] don't [1:06:04] pick [1:06:05] up [1:06:05] they [1:06:07] always [1:06:08] make [1:06:08] this [1:06:09] argument [1:06:09] that [1:06:10] an [1:06:10] ICC [1:06:11] warrant [1:06:12] has [1:06:13] no [1:06:14] validity [1:06:14] in [1:06:14] this [1:06:15] country [1:06:15] aside [1:06:16] from [1:06:16] being [1:06:17] mistaken [1:06:17] in [1:06:19] fact [1:06:20] what [1:06:21] they [1:06:21] are [1:06:21] asking [1:06:22] for [1:06:22] that [1:06:23] there [1:06:23] be [1:06:23] an [1:06:23] intervention [1:06:24] of [1:06:24] a [1:06:25] local [1:06:25] court [1:06:25] has [1:06:26] already [1:06:26] taken [1:06:26] place [1:06:27] as [1:06:28] soon [1:06:28] as [1:06:28] the [1:06:28] ICC [1:06:29] warrant [1:06:29] was [1:06:30] unsealed [1:06:31] and [1:06:32] the [1:06:32] NBI [1:06:32] attempted [1:06:33] to [1:06:33] serve [1:06:34] it [1:06:34] on [1:06:34] Bato [1:06:35] he [1:06:36] ran [1:06:36] to [1:06:36] the [1:06:36] Supreme [1:06:37] Court [1:06:37] and [1:06:38] he [1:06:38] filed [1:06:39] successive [1:06:40] urgent [1:06:41] manifestations [1:06:41] praying [1:06:42] for [1:06:42] a [1:06:42] TRO [1:06:43] raising [1:06:44] as [1:06:45] an [1:06:45] argument [1:06:46] against [1:06:47] the [1:06:47] TRO [1:06:48] the [1:06:48] issue [1:06:49] of [1:06:49] the [1:06:49] supposed [1:06:50] illegality [1:06:52] of [1:06:52] the [1:06:52] ICC [1:06:53] warrant [1:06:53] now [1:06:54] it's [1:06:54] very [1:06:54] telling [1:06:55] that [1:06:56] the [1:06:56] Supreme [1:06:56] Court [1:06:56] did [1:06:57] not [1:06:57] grant [1:06:57] the [1:06:57] TRO [1:06:58] which [1:06:59] is [1:06:59] a [1:06:59] way [1:06:59] of [1:07:00] saying [1:07:00] that [1:07:00] the [1:07:00] Supreme [1:07:01] Court [1:07:01] did [1:07:02] not [1:07:02] recognize [1:07:03] a [1:07:03] right [1:07:04] that [1:07:05] was [1:07:05] in [1:07:06] imminent [1:07:06] danger [1:07:07] of [1:07:07] being [1:07:08] transgressed [1:07:09] and [1:07:09] so [1:07:10] if [1:07:10] they [1:07:10] claim [1:07:11] well [1:07:11] no [1:07:12] it has [1:07:12] to [1:07:12] pass [1:07:12] by [1:07:12] the [1:07:13] Philippine [1:07:13] Court [1:07:13] he [1:07:13] has [1:07:14] had [1:07:14] the [1:07:14] recourse [1:07:15] to [1:07:15] to [1:07:15] the [1:07:16] Philippine [1:07:16] court [1:07:16] that [1:07:17] they [1:07:17] are [1:07:17] asking [1:07:17] for [1:07:18] you [1:07:19] know [1:07:20] you [1:07:20] have [1:07:20] senators [1:07:21] with [1:07:21] pending [1:07:22] cases [1:07:22] a lot [1:07:24] of [1:07:24] these [1:07:24] cases [1:07:25] might [1:07:26] see [1:07:26] some [1:07:26] resolution [1:07:27] anytime [1:07:27] soon [1:07:28] and that [1:07:28] might [1:07:28] affect [1:07:29] the [1:07:29] numbers [1:07:29] that [1:07:30] will [1:07:30] vote [1:07:31] on [1:07:32] the [1:07:33] impeachment [1:07:34] case [1:07:34] of the [1:07:34] vice [1:07:34] president [1:07:35] what [1:07:35] are [1:07:35] your [1:07:35] thoughts [1:07:35] on [1:07:36] these [1:07:36] possibilities [1:07:37] well [1:07:39] I [1:07:39] think [1:07:40] that [1:07:40] so [1:07:42] as [1:07:43] not [1:07:43] to [1:07:43] impede [1:07:44] the [1:07:45] impeachment [1:07:45] trial [1:07:46] the [1:07:46] resolution [1:07:47] of [1:07:47] the [1:07:47] cases [1:07:48] can [1:07:48] wait [1:07:49] till [1:07:49] the [1:07:49] end [1:07:49] of [1:07:49] the [1:07:50] impeachment [1:07:50] trial [1:07:51] another [1:07:52] scenario [1:07:53] of course [1:07:53] is that [1:07:54] even [1:07:54] if [1:07:55] they [1:07:55] are [1:07:55] under [1:07:55] detention [1:07:56] or [1:07:57] even [1:07:57] if [1:07:57] they [1:07:57] are [1:07:58] in [1:08:00] some [1:08:00] way [1:08:00] impeded [1:08:01] from [1:08:01] actually [1:08:02] being [1:08:03] in [1:08:03] the [1:08:03] session [1:08:03] hall [1:08:03] they [1:08:04] can [1:08:04] still [1:08:04] cast [1:08:04] their [1:08:05] votes [1:08:05] okay [1:08:06] so [1:08:06] that's [1:08:06] final [1:08:07] because [1:08:07] that [1:08:07] was [1:08:07] one [1:08:08] of [1:08:08] the [1:08:08] because [1:08:08] you [1:08:09] know [1:08:10] the [1:08:10] constitution [1:08:11] requires [1:08:12] two-thirds [1:08:13] of the [1:08:14] membership [1:08:14] of the [1:08:15] senate [1:08:15] okay [1:08:16] and [1:08:17] that [1:08:17] member [1:08:17] need [1:08:18] not [1:08:18] be [1:08:18] physically [1:08:19] present [1:08:19] in the [1:08:20] session [1:08:20] hall [1:08:20] to do [1:08:20] that [1:08:20] yes [1:08:21] voting [1:08:22] one [1:08:24] can [1:08:24] transmit [1:08:24] his [1:08:25] vote [1:08:25] to [1:08:25] the [1:08:26] senate [1:08:26] president [1:08:27] but [1:08:27] won't [1:08:28] that [1:08:28] compromise [1:08:28] the [1:08:29] quality [1:08:29] of [1:08:30] whatever [1:08:30] vote [1:08:30] they [1:08:30] actually [1:08:31] make [1:08:31] that [1:08:32] some [1:08:34] of [1:08:34] them [1:08:34] carry [1:08:35] that's [1:08:36] correct [1:08:36] which [1:08:37] is [1:08:37] why [1:08:37] I [1:08:37] believe [1:08:38] that [1:08:38] in [1:08:39] the [1:08:39] interest [1:08:40] of [1:08:40] the [1:08:40] regularity [1:08:41] of [1:08:41] the [1:08:41] proceedings [1:08:42] and [1:08:42] so [1:08:43] as [1:08:43] not [1:08:43] to [1:08:43] impede [1:08:44] impeachment [1:08:44] proceedings [1:08:45] whatever [1:08:46] resolution [1:08:46] may be [1:08:47] forthcoming [1:08:47] in regard [1:08:49] to the [1:08:49] cases [1:08:49] that [1:08:49] they [1:08:49] are [1:08:50] now [1:08:50] facing [1:08:50] will [1:08:51] weight [1:08:51] disposition [1:08:52] of [1:08:53] the [1:08:54] impeachment [1:08:54] case [1:08:55] all [1:09:02] all [1:09:02] all [1:09:02] right [1:09:02] so [1:09:03] moving [1:09:04] looking [1:09:04] forward [1:09:05] father [1:09:06] what [1:09:06] do you [1:09:07] think [1:09:07] are [1:09:07] the [1:09:07] key [1:09:08] things [1:09:08] that [1:09:08] the [1:09:09] Filipino [1:09:09] people [1:09:10] should [1:09:10] be [1:09:10] on [1:09:10] the [1:09:10] lookout [1:09:11] for [1:09:11] when [1:09:12] the [1:09:12] trial [1:09:13] proper [1:09:13] begins [1:09:14] yeah [1:09:15] thank [1:09:16] you [1:09:16] for [1:09:16] asking [1:09:17] that [1:09:17] question [1:09:18] and [1:09:18] this [1:09:19] is [1:09:19] my [1:09:19] opportunity [1:09:20] to [1:09:20] urge [1:09:22] our [1:09:22] people [1:09:23] to [1:09:24] watch [1:09:25] the [1:09:25] proceedings [1:09:26] to [1:09:27] observe [1:09:27] the [1:09:28] conduct [1:09:28] of the [1:09:28] senators [1:09:29] who [1:09:29] sit [1:09:30] as [1:09:30] judges [1:09:31] and [1:09:33] to [1:09:34] pay [1:09:35] attention [1:09:36] to the [1:09:37] evidence [1:09:38] that is [1:09:38] presented [1:09:39] both [1:09:40] by the [1:09:42] prosecution [1:09:42] and [1:09:44] by the [1:09:44] defense [1:09:45] you know [1:09:46] in any [1:09:47] controversy [1:09:49] like this [1:09:49] emotions [1:09:51] run [1:09:51] high [1:09:52] but we [1:09:53] cannot [1:09:53] have a [1:09:54] country [1:09:54] that is [1:09:55] run [1:09:56] by [1:09:56] emotions [1:09:56] that is [1:09:58] why we [1:09:58] abide [1:09:59] by the [1:09:59] rule of [1:09:59] law [1:10:00] and [1:10:01] I have [1:10:02] always [1:10:03] insisted [1:10:03] that [1:10:04] the [1:10:05] surest [1:10:06] guarantee [1:10:06] of [1:10:08] a [1:10:08] fair [1:10:08] trial [1:10:09] is [1:10:10] the [1:10:10] vigilance [1:10:11] of [1:10:11] the [1:10:12] nation [1:10:12] and [1:10:13] if [1:10:13] our [1:10:14] senators [1:10:14] know [1:10:15] that [1:10:15] they [1:10:16] will [1:10:16] answer [1:10:17] to [1:10:17] the [1:10:17] people [1:10:17] that [1:10:18] they [1:10:19] are [1:10:19] to [1:10:20] be [1:10:20] accountable [1:10:20] to [1:10:21] the [1:10:21] people [1:10:21] then [1:10:22] I'm [1:10:22] sure [1:10:23] that [1:10:23] they [1:10:23] will [1:10:23] be [1:10:23] on [1:10:24] their [1:10:24] best [1:10:24] behavior [1:10:25] during [1:10:26] the [1:10:26] trial [1:10:26] and [1:10:27] I [1:10:27] pray [1:10:27] to [1:10:28] God [1:10:28] that [1:10:29] they [1:10:29] vote [1:10:29] as [1:10:30] the [1:10:30] law [1:10:31] and [1:10:32] the [1:10:32] evidence [1:10:32] and [1:10:33] their [1:10:33] consciences [1:10:34] dictate [1:10:35] all right [1:10:36] on that [1:10:37] note [1:10:37] father [1:10:37] ranilio [1:10:38] Aquino [1:10:38] Sanbeda [1:10:39] University [1:10:39] School [1:10:39] of [1:10:40] Law [1:10:40] head [1:10:40] thank [1:10:41] you [1:10:41] so [1:10:41] much [1:10:41] for [1:10:41] joining [1:10:41] us [1:10:42] for [1:10:42] sharing [1:10:42] with [1:10:42] us [1:10:43] thank [1:10:43] you [1:10:43] for [1:10:43] having [1:10:48] vigilance [1:10:52] is [1:10:53] the [1:10:53] only [1:10:53] way [1:10:54] for [1:10:54] the [1:10:54] Filipino [1:10:54] people [1:10:55] to [1:10:55] really [1:10:55] make [1:10:56] their [1:10:56] senators [1:10:57] work [1:10:57] we [1:10:58] do [1:10:58] we [1:10:58] get [1:10:59] the [1:10:59] politics [1:11:00] we [1:11:00] deserve [1:11:01] we [1:11:02] have [1:11:02] to [1:11:02] take [1:11:02] care [1:11:02] of [1:11:02] it [1:11:03] by [1:11:04] being [1:11:04] vigilant [1:11:04] all [1:11:06] right [1:11:06] so [1:11:06] are [1:11:07] we [1:11:08] still [1:11:08] show [1:11:08] yes [1:11:08] this [1:11:08] is [1:11:09] still [1:11:09] live [1:11:09] footage [1:11:09] from [1:11:10] the [1:11:10] Senate [1:11:10] so [1:11:10] they [1:11:11] have [1:11:11] taken [1:11:11] off [1:11:11] their [1:11:12] robes [1:11:12] they've [1:11:13] suspended [1:11:13] the [1:11:14] session [1:11:14] I [1:11:17] think [1:11:17] within [1:11:18] the [1:11:18] day [1:11:18] according [1:11:18] to [1:11:19] Senate [1:11:19] President [1:11:19] Alan [1:11:20] Peter [1:11:21] Cayetano [1:11:21] they're [1:11:21] going [1:11:21] to [1:11:22] be [1:11:22] discussing [1:11:22] they're [1:11:23] going [1:11:23] to [1:11:23] be [1:11:23] fixing [1:11:24] the [1:11:24] calendar [1:11:25] together [1:11:25] of [1:11:25] the [1:11:26] impeachment [1:11:26] trial [1:11:27] of [1:11:28] course [1:11:29] they [1:11:29] did [1:11:29] say [1:11:30] they [1:11:30] will [1:11:30] have [1:11:30] a [1:11:30] pretrial [1:11:31] and [1:11:34] then [1:11:34] the [1:11:35] proper [1:11:35] trial [1:11:35] now [1:11:36] remember [1:11:36] during [1:11:36] the [1:11:37] time [1:11:37] of [1:11:37] Corona [1:11:38] CJ [1:11:39] Corona [1:11:39] he [1:11:39] had [1:11:40] 44 [1:11:40] days [1:11:41] of [1:11:41] trial [1:11:41] proper [1:11:42] but [1:11:43] with [1:11:43] the [1:11:43] breaks [1:11:43] in [1:11:43] between [1:11:44] it [1:11:44] lasted [1:11:45] almost [1:11:46] five [1:11:46] months [1:11:47] that [1:11:48] was [1:11:48] a long [1:11:49] process [1:11:50] we have [1:11:51] no idea [1:11:51] how much [1:11:52] time [1:11:53] this [1:11:54] impeachment [1:11:54] trial [1:11:55] of the [1:11:55] vice [1:11:55] president [1:11:56] will [1:11:56] take [1:11:56] but [1:11:57] we are [1:11:59] for sure [1:11:59] anticipating [1:12:00] that it [1:12:00] will begin [1:12:01] on [1:12:01] May [1:12:02] or [1:12:03] May 28th [1:12:04] if I'm not mistaken [1:12:04] that's a [1:12:05] 10 calendar [1:12:06] days [1:12:07] as [1:12:07] Senator [1:12:08] Tito [1:12:09] so to put [1:12:09] it [1:12:09] it should [1:12:10] begin [1:12:10] after [1:12:12] 10 [1:12:12] calendar [1:12:12] days [1:12:13] from [1:12:14] today [1:12:14] but [1:12:15] you can [1:12:15] count [1:12:15] on [1:12:15] ANC [1:12:16] to [1:12:16] give [1:12:17] you [1:12:17] the [1:12:17] front [1:12:18] row [1:12:18] seats [1:12:18] to [1:12:18] this [1:12:19] very [1:12:19] critical [1:12:20] moment [1:12:20] in [1:12:20] history [1:12:20] in [1:12:21] the [1:12:21] meantime [1:12:21] that [1:12:21] is [1:12:22] ANC [1:12:23] special [1:12:23] coverage [1:12:23] on [1:12:24] the [1:12:24] Senate [1:12:24] convening [1:12:24] as [1:12:25] an [1:12:25] impeachment [1:12:25] court [1:12:25] for [1:12:26] the [1:12:26] trial [1:12:27] of [1:12:27] vice [1:12:27] president [1:12:27] Sada [1:12:28] Duterte [1:12:28] more [1:12:29] news [1:12:29] comes [1:12:29] your [1:12:30] way [1:12:30] in [1:12:31] the [1:12:31] next [1:12:31] couple [1:12:31] of [1:12:31] newscasts [1:12:32] here [1:12:32] on [1:12:32] ANC [1:12:33] decades [1:12:44] ANC [1:12:45] has been [1:12:45] a witness [1:12:45] to [1:12:45] the [1:12:45] country's [1:12:46] historical [1:12:46] moments [1:12:47] maintaining [1:12:47] the [1:12:48] highest [1:12:48] standards [1:12:49] of [1:12:49] Philippine [1:12:49] broadcast [1:12:50] journalism [1:12:50] home [1:12:51] to [1:12:51] the [1:12:51] country's [1:12:52] most [1:12:52] seasoned [1:12:52] news [1:12:52] veterans [1:12:53] ANC [1:12:54] remains [1:12:54] at [1:12:54] the [1:12:54] forefront [1:12:55] of [1:12:55] the [1:12:55] truth [1:12:56] now [1:12:56] our [1:12:57] reach [1:12:57] grows [1:12:57] even [1:12:58] wider [1:12:58] starting [1:12:59] today [1:12:59] ANC [1:13:00] officially [1:13:00] airs [1:13:01] on [1:13:01] Signal [1:13:01] Channel [1:13:02] 27 [1:13:02] bringing [1:13:03] all [1:13:03] your [1:13:03] favorite [1:13:04] news [1:13:04] programs [1:13:05] to [1:13:05] a [1:13:05] broader [1:13:05] audience [1:13:06] more [1:13:06] choices [1:13:07] more [1:13:07] perspectives [1:13:08] and [1:13:08] the [1:13:09] same [1:13:09] responsible [1:13:09] journalism [1:13:10] you've [1:13:10] trusted [1:13:10] for [1:13:11] generation [1:13:12] ABS [1:13:12] CBN [1:13:13] News [1:13:13] Channel [1:13:13] now [1:13:14] on [1:13:14] Signal [1:13:15] from [1:13:21] the [1:13:21] stories [1:13:21] altering [1:13:22] the [1:13:22] affairs [1:13:22] of [1:13:23] the [1:13:23] state [1:13:23] events [1:13:24] rocking [1:13:24] the [1:13:25] globe [1:13:25] we [1:13:25] bring [1:13:26] you [1:13:26] the [1:13:26] headlines [1:13:26] as [1:13:27] they [1:13:27] unfold [1:13:28] the [1:13:28] voices [1:13:29] that [1:13:29] count [1:13:30] this [1:13:30] what [1:13:31] we [1:13:31] have [1:13:31] now [1:13:31] is [1:13:31] just [1:13:32] another [1:13:32] steepity [1:13:32] slope [1:13:33] that [1:13:33] if [1:13:34] not [1:13:34] taken [1:13:35] care [1:13:35] of [1:13:35] could [1:13:36] branch [1:13:37] out [1:13:37] to [1:13:38] a [1:13:38] bigger [1:13:38] operation [1:13:39] that [1:13:40] would [1:13:40] be [1:13:40] counter [1:13:41] intuitive [1:13:41] to [1:13:42] what [1:13:42] the [1:13:42] president [1:13:42] wanted [1:13:43] at [1:13:43] the [1:13:43] beginning [1:13:44] of [1:13:44] his [1:13:44] turn [1:13:44] if [1:13:46] you [1:13:46] you [1:13:46] have [1:13:47] to [1:13:47] have [1:13:47] a [1:13:47] breaking [1:13:48] point [1:13:48] wherein [1:13:49] you [1:13:49] say [1:13:49] okay [1:13:49] you [1:13:50] pushed [1:13:50] me [1:13:50] this [1:13:50] far [1:13:50] I'm [1:13:51] going [1:13:51] to [1:13:51] push [1:13:51] you [1:13:52] back [1:13:52] now [1:13:52] we [1:13:52] go [1:13:53] beyond [1:13:53] biases [1:13:53] the [1:13:55] impact [1:13:56] challenge [1:13:56] is proudly [1:13:57] presented by the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme [1:14:00] co-presented by Paymongo and made possible by Creative Impact Incorporated [1:14:05] Card MRI [1:14:06] COL Financial [1:14:09] Domo Domo [1:14:10] SM Investments Corporation [1:14:12] Union Digital Bank [1:14:14] Astoria Hotels and Resorts [1:14:16] Executive Genesis [1:14:18] and 7AM Productions [1:14:21] in the Philippines 99.6% of all businesses are micro, small and medium enterprises [1:14:29] they employ more than half the country's workforce and account for nearly 40% of GDP [1:14:35] but behind these numbers are hard truths most of these entrepreneurs have no safety nets [1:14:41] no access to affordable credit and when a crisis hits the business folds and there's no coming back [1:14:49] but some young Filipinos believe that economic development doesn't start with billion-peso infrastructure [1:14:55] it starts with a livelihood, a microloan, a skill, a community that believes in itself [1:15:02] hustle with heart [1:15:04] that's where real sustainable community and national economic progress begins [1:15:10] to the impact challenge [1:15:18] where Filipino youth don't just dream about change [1:15:21] they build it with their own hands [1:15:23] I'm your host, Cara Eregel Rabat [1:15:26] here's how it works [1:15:29] every week we take on one of Rotary International's seven areas of focus [1:15:34] three youth organizations pitch their community projects to our panel of judges [1:15:38] and the group with the most compelling actionable idea [1:15:42] wins 100,000 pesos to make it happen in just 70 days [1:15:47] wins 100,000 pesos to make it happen in just 70 days [1:15:48] wins 100,000 a big hit