PASAY CITY—Newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano officially signed a letter today acknowledging receipt of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. 

This formal move sets the stage for the Senate to transform into an Impeachment Court on May 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. 

SP Cayetano confirmed that his office has processed all resolutions and supporting documents transmitted by the House of Representatives.

Senator Cayetano emphasized that the Senate is following "proper order" in accordance with the Constitution and the chamber’s specific rules on impeachment trials. 

He instructed the Senate Secretariat to fast-track the inclusion of the articles in the official calendar to ensure there are no delays. 

By prioritizing the case immediately, the Senate leadership aims to address the allegations with the urgency and procedural rigor required by law.

The Vice President has already been furnished with a copy of the signed notice as the Senate prepares to summon both parties. 

While the specific schedule for arguments and witness testimonies is still being finalized, the May 18 convening marks the official start of the judicial proceedings. 

All eyes now turn to the upper chamber as it prepares to exercise its sole power to try and decide the case against the nation’s second-highest official.