Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Monday night, June 9, took his oath as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court that will hear the case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The move comes after the Senate unanimously agreed to refer the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte to the committee on rules.
Senator Joel Villanueva filed a motion, which was approved, for all senators to take their oaths as senator-judges on Tuesday, June 10, at 4 p.m.
Villanueva said that once the oaths are taken, the impeachment court will be constituted but not yet convened. The trial is set to formally begin on June 11.
Escudero earlier postponed the prosecution panel's presentation from June 2 to June 11, citing the need to prioritize key legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns.
The impeachment process gained traction after the Senate minority formally moved to open the trial following weeks of delay.
On February 5, the House of Representatives filed an impeachment case against the Vice President, citing "high crimes" including corruption in her office and the Department of Education.
Also included in the case is the alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
