MANILA – Sen. Panfilo Lacson called on the public to maintain vigilance following the Senate’s decision to convene as an impeachment court for the case involving Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Lacson described the development as a “breath of fresh air,” noting it came after what he referred to as tense developments in the chamber in the previous week, including a shooting incident inside the Senate building.

He said the contrast between the recent incident and the Senate’s formal proceedings was evident when lawmakers convened as an impeachment court after completing required parliamentary procedures.

“The stark contrast between the smell of gunpowder last week and the breath of fresh air in the Senate yesterday was evident when we convened as an impeachment court after all the parliamentary procedures were strictly followed. May the public vigilance remain unabated,” he said in a post on X.

On Monday, the Senate formally convened as an impeachment court to begin proceedings on the case of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio after receiving the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives.

The Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate on May 13, amid heightened tensions linked to the reported possible arrest of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.

Last weekend, Lacson also commented on recent developments, saying that abuses of power have limits in the wake of the earlier incidents.

“Arrogance of power, like impunity, has its limits,” Lacson said.