PASAY CITY—The Senate of the Philippines formally organized itself into an Impeachment Court on July 6, electing Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero as its presiding officer for the historic trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. 

Escudero secured the leadership post in a tight 12-8 vote, moving the high-stakes proceedings forward amid intense political maneuvering. 

Immediately upon taking the podium, Escudero laid out the high legal bar required for the vice president's removal, emphasizing that the body will strictly adhere to constitutional mandates. 

"This is the prevailing law today and whether we agree or not, we must abide by it," Escudero said, clarifying that it takes a two-thirds majority or exactly 16 affirmative votes out of the 24-member chamber to convict.

The election of Escudero was not without friction, sparking an immediate floor debate that threatened to stall the opening day of the trial. 

Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano raised a sharp point of order, mounting a vigorous objection to the voting process itself. 

Cayetano argued that the Constitution and its framers intended the sitting Senate President to automatically preside over impeachment cases, unless the President of the Philippines is the one on trial.

Warning his colleagues of long-term legal ramifications, Cayetano cautioned that proceeding under what he described as a constitutionally defective process could invite a swift judicial challenge before the Supreme Court and permanently cast doubt on the ultimate validity of the trial. 

Despite the warning, the chamber opted to maintain Escudero's election, solidifying the leadership structure as the Senate prepares to hear the formal articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte in the coming days.

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