Manila, Philippines – The Senate is preparing for the possible transmission of Vice President Sara Duterte's articles of impeachment, though senior legislators say it is too early to set a definitive timeline as the complaint has yet to formally reach the chamber.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson clarified that the impeachment trial will not be affected by the Senate's sine die adjournment on June 9, stressing that trial proceedings operate separately from regular legislative sessions.

"Tuloy-tuloy yun, separate naman yung impeachment trial sa session. So yung sine die adjournment will not in any way affect the schedule of the impeachment trial," Lacson said.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III echoed the same position, saying the Senate can extend its work even during a break. Sotto added that once the articles of impeachment are received, the Senate will act on it forthwith, the following day, regardless of what day it falls.

"If ever we do receive the articles of impeachment, we will act on it forthwith — the following day, whatever day that is," Sotto said.

Sotto also stressed the need for impartiality, noting that the public is closely watching how the Senate handles the case against the country's second-highest official.

"We have to be impartial — kahit sino ipapadala sa amin na articles of impeachment, we have to look at it at a very impartial attitude," he said.

The Senate president further confirmed that the impeachment trial will be open to the public and that the chamber must be in session when the articles are formally received. Once convened as an impeachment court, proceedings will continue uninterrupted.

Lacson, meanwhile, acknowledged that the trial will pose challenges for senators without legal backgrounds, noting that lawyers in the chamber hold a natural advantage in litigation and court proceedings. He said he and Sotto are nonetheless working diligently to ensure due process is upheld.

Senator Pia Cayetano, a lawyer who has participated in a previous impeachment trial, said she already comes prepared. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, on the other hand, said he is not actively preparing and will simply wait for whatever reaches the Senate floor.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, on the other hand, said he is not actively preparing and will simply wait for whatever reaches the Senate floor.

"Di naman ako nagpe-prepare. Basta kung ano yung dumating, darating," Marcoleta said.

Following a caucus held the same day, Sotto reiterated that the Senate will act on the articles of impeachment the moment they are received.

Sotto added that the Senate must be in session when the articles are formally transmitted. However, once convened as an impeachment court, proceedings will continue uninterrupted. 

The Senate leadership also confirmed that the trial will be open to the public.