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<h3>
Senate Proceedings and Debate
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<p>
The session began with all 22 senators taking their oaths as judges for the impending impeachment trial. The impeachment court was convened following a motion by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa to dismiss the complaint. However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano proposed an amendment: instead of outright dismissal, the case should be returned to the House for certification that the complaint was "not constitutionally infirm." After extensive debate, the Senate voted on Dela Rosa's motion, resulting in the remand.
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<p>
Senators who voted against remanding the case included Koko Pimentel III, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Win Gatchalian. Those in favor included Alan Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, and several others.
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<h3>
Next Steps and Trial Calendar
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<p>
The House of Representatives, which had transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate on February 5, welcomed the Senate's move as an "initial step" toward trial and said its prosecution team was ready. Senate President Francis Escudero, who was sworn in as presiding officer of the impeachment court, emphasized the Senate's constitutional duty to proceed with the trial and noted that the Senate does not have the power to dismiss an impeachment complaint.
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<p>
Senator Francis Tolentino filed a resolution proposing a detailed and expedited trial calendar, aiming to conclude the proceedings before the 19th Congress ends on June 30, 2025. The proposed schedule includes key dates for submissions, presentations of evidence, oral arguments, and the rendition of a verdict, all within a 19-day period.
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<h3>
Political and Civil Society Reactions
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<p>
The Senate's decision sparked reactions from various sectors. Akbayan party-list president Rafaela David criticized what she called "hair-splitting excuses" to delay the trial, insisting that the Senate must proceed with the impeachment process. Civil society groups and student organizations staged rallies, demanding action and accountability.
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Former Magdalo representative Gary Alejano, one of the original complainants, described the Senate's move to convene as an impeachment court as a victory for accountability and citizen vigilance.
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<p>
Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson and other minority senators echoed the call for the Senate to fulfill its constitutional mandate, highlighting public confusion and concern over the delay since the articles of impeachment were transmitted in February.
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Senate Remands Impeachment Complaint Against Vice President Duterte to House