The Tamesis
April 22, 2026
Manila – Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Tuesday that the Senate could convene an impeachment court as early as May 4 once the House of Representatives transmits the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
He made the statement at a news conference the day before the House Judiciary Committee’s third impeachment hearing.
“Technically, we may have a meeting before May 4, when we should be back to work. That’s only two weeks left,” Soto said.
“By May 4, if we receive articles of impeachment, then we will immediately convene an impeachment court,” he added.
May 4th marks the resumption of Congressional sessions.
Sotto also vowed again that as Senate president, impeachment would be implemented “immediately.”
“I will act quickly. Absolutely immediately. As soon as the Senate receives it, I will notify the Senate and refer it to the Rules Committee,” he said.
However, there is no firm timetable as the proceedings are still ongoing in the House of Representatives.
“We have to wait for the House to make a decision on whether probable cause is found,” Soto said.
READ: Luistro: The next Duterte-Carpio tax documents in impeachment
The House Judiciary Committee is two hearings away from finding probable cause for two impeachment complaints against the vice president.
In two complaints filed against her, Duterte was charged with graft and corruption for allegedly misusing confidential funds and betraying public trust.
The House hearing examined Duterte’s use of her confidential funds as a former education secretary and vice president, as well as her alleged “unexplained” wealth and statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.
The final two hearings before the judiciary panel reports its findings to the plenary session are scheduled for April 22 and 29 in the House.
The House can recommend dismissing the complaint; otherwise, lawmakers should vote on sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
READ: House panel hopes to wrap up Duterte impeachment hearings by April 29
If a third of the House of Representatives votes in favor of the procedure, it will be forwarded to the Senate.
The Senate will act as an impeachment court and rule on Duterte’s conviction or dismiss the case. /mcm
