MANILA – The Senate may convene as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, or “at the possible soonest time” after receiving the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

In a report, it said that Cayetano said he has signed a letter addressed to House Speaker Faustino Dy confirming receipt of the impeachment articles and informing the House of the possible convening of the impeachment court.

“The Secretariat has been directed to include the Articles of Impeachment in the calendar for ordinary business for referral to the impeachment court, which shall be convened on May 18, 2026, 3 p.m. or at the possible soonest time absent any question to the rules and procedure related to the transmitted Articles,” the letter reads.

“The Parties shall in due course be directed to appear before the Senate sitting as impeachment court on a date to be determined subsequently,” it added.

The Senate received the Articles of Impeachment on Wednesday evening from the House of Representatives.

Once convened, Cayetano said the impeachment court will issue summons and set the schedule for trial proceedings.

“The biggest issue for me is the balancing of legislative work given the crisis na ating kinahaharap,” he said.

The House of Representatives of the Philippines earlier impeached Duterte for the second time on Tuesday over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.

Lawmakers voted 257–25 in favor of impeachment.