MANILA, Philippines – Officials and staff of the Senate Public Information Bureau (PRIB) have been instructed to prepare for the possible receipt of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte tonight, February 5 at 7 p.m. 

Upon the instruction of Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, PRIB staff briefed members of the media for possible coverage later in the day over the reported transmission of the impeachment complaints. 

Senate President Chiz Escudero however said there was no official communication from the House of Representatives confirming the impeachment endorsement. 

Thus, members of the Senate are not preparing “anything regarding the impeachment” yet since the complaints have yet been received, said Escudero.  

“We cannot and will not assume anything until and unless it is a fact. The statements made by an over-eager staff was not authorized by me nor was it proper,” Escudero said. 

Today is the last session of Congress which will go on break to give way for the campaign season which will start on February 11. 

Escudero is scheduled to speak to reporters on Thursday, February 6 at the Kapihan sa Senado forum. 

On Wednesday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at least 153 signatures were gathered from House members, more than enough to impeach Duterte. 

According to congress rules, the House of Representatives needs 103 signatures from its members to endorse an impeachment complaint to the Senate.

The moment the required number of signatures are met, there would be no need for the House Committee on Justice to conduct hearings on the impeachment complaint.

The Senate shall now commence as the impeachment court.