MANILA – The Senate on Monday formally convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on charges of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

Senators donned maroon robes and took their oath as senator-judges shortly after receiving the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives, marking the official start of proceedings.

Shortly after the plenary session opened, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian moved for the Senate to adopt the Articles of Impeachment and suspend session to formally convene the impeachment court.

The development marked the second impeachment proceedings involving Duterte, with the Senate returning to its constitutional role after a previous attempt last year did not proceed to trial due to constitutional questions that led to the remand of the articles to the House.

Duterte is facing allegations including plunder and graft in the alleged misuse of public funds and unexplained wealth, as well as conspiracy to commit murder in connection with an alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano declared a quorum of 23 of 24 senators, with Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa notably absent from the proceedings.

Dela Rosa’s absence comes amid the reported issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. He also left the Senate premises last week following a gunfire incident on May 14.

Cayetano took his oath as presiding officer of the impeachment court, which was administered by Sen. Camille Villar.

The impeachment court ordered the issuance of a writ of summons to be served by the Senate sergeant-at-arms. Duterte was given 10 calendar days to respond, while the prosecution panel was given five calendar days to reply thereafter.

The 23 attending senators of the 20th Congress will sit as senator-judges, while 11 House members will act as prosecutors in the trial.