Sara Duterte Vice President's Impeachment Trial Could Go, Philippine Senate Prepares Funds

Senate Session Room (Photo: OS Escudero - PNA)

JAKARTA - The Philippine Senate has expressed its readiness to hold a possible impeachment trial of Vice President (Wapres) Sara Duterte. The budget is still available.

Dilansir dari Philippine News Agency (PNA), Selasa, 28 April, Presiden Pro Tempore Senat Panfilo Lacson mengatakan Senat memiliki dana yang cukup untuk menggelar sidang pemakzulan jika proses itu benar-benar masuk ke Senat.

Lacson, who also heads the Senate Budget Committee, said only about 500,000 Philippine pesos were used from the allocation of 27 million Philippine pesos in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The funds were prepared for the impeachment process. A small portion was already used when the impeachment documents against Duterte were sent to the Senate last year.

According to Lacson, the budget falls under the category of sustainable budget. Therefore, funds can still be used beyond the current fiscal year.

He said the funds were valid for two years. That way, the Senate is financially ready to hold a trial if the impeachment documents are submitted.

Lacson earlier said senators, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, had prepared for a possible hearing if the Philippine House of Representatives pursued the case.

He emphasized that his decision as a candidate for senator-judge would be based on evidence. Lacson also reminded the senators to maintain their attitude if the Senate convenes as a court of impeachment.