Dev Flores

Some senator-judges expressed that they prefer to let the Supreme Court decide the voting threshold in the impeachment trial of  Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Let the Supreme Court decide kaysa naman kami —  ako, opinyon ko lang yun,”  Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo said

“Gusto ko Supreme Court mag-decide para wala nang away,” he added

Meanwhile, Senator-Judge Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito stated that he is ready to wait for the decisions on the upcoming oral arguments on September 23. He also noted that he favors bringing the voting threshold matter to the Supreme Court to relieve the burden of the Senate impeachment court.

“Kung gugustuhin ko, sana sa Supreme Court na lang para hindi na kami mahirapan din, pero depende kung anong gusto ng impeachment court, ng judges. Depende sa aming pag-uusapan on September 23, then we will just have to make the decision kung saka-sakali,”

Currently, under the ruling of the presiding officer, the discussion with amici curiae, or friends of the court, is set on September 16. The friends of the court refer to those legal experts who may help and assist the Senator-judges in deciding on the voting threshold.

The oral arguments with the prosecution and defense are set on September 23, which will be followed by voting or issuance of a decision on the matter.

With reports from Jed Nerecina

A verdict on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may be possible before December. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed this as the prosecution team reduces the number of witnesses in the trial.

“Yung prosekusyon, nagbawas din sila ng number of witnesses, tapos may bago kaming timetable nga yung 10 days na full day. (Sa) timetable na nakikita namin, hopefully before December, matapos na lahat,” he said

The Senate impeachment court plans to hold several full-day trial sessions in October.

The trial will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the day’s scheduled proceedings are completed.

There will be no budget deliberations on the scheduled dates dedicated to trial days.

Supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte are set to gather on September 11, 2026, as she faces her scheduled arraignment for a grave threats case.

The Vice President is expected to appear before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for the arraignment.

According to the group, Inday Sara Movement Philippines, the gathering aims solely to express support for the Vice President. They also assured that the activity will be conducted peacefully and will not violate any laws.

The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office has recommended dismissing the complaint filed by Atty. Manases ‘Mans’ Carpio against high-ranking officials over the disclosure of bank transaction records of his and his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte.

The respondents include House Justice Panel Chair Gerville Luistro, Representatives Leila de Lima, Antonio Tinio, Percival Cendaña, Chel Diokno, Renee Co, Joel Chua, and Terry Ridon. 

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado, SEC Chairperson Francis Edralin Lim, and AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura were also included as respondents.

The prosecutor’s office noted that the respondents carried out their official duties, including issuing and complying with subpoenas for the reports, as well as discussing these during impeachment proceedings. 

The complaint filed by Atty. Carpio is about the alleged violation of the Bank Secrecy Law, Data Privacy Act, and Anti-Money Laundering Act. 

Meanwhile, respondents welcomed the recommendation of the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. 

“This is a welcome development, especially since this is merely a harassment suit meant to intimidate lawmakers who are just carrying out their duties,” Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila De Lima said

“With this, yung mga testigo na uupo na dinamay nila dito para harassin, para mapigilan yung kanilang mga sasabihin sa impeachment ay wala nang magiging hadlang. So naniniwala kami na lahat itong mga kaso na ibinabato ay para lamang mapigilan at para ma-harass ang mga testigo,” Rep. Joel Chua said

However, Carpio’s team stated that they may refile the complaint before the Ombudsman after reviewing the resolution.

With reports from Zarah Mendez

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed this morning that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Pia Cayetano have left the country, following the airport photos showing the siblings’ departure last night.

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According to BI records, there is no hold departure order or any derogatory record against the two senators as of their departure date that would restrict them from traveling abroad.

The bureau stated that under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, specific details regarding their travel, including the itinerary, cannot be disclosed to the public.

When asked whether the Cayetano siblings notified the chamber or requested travel authority, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian clarified that senators are not required to give notice for personal trips.

“Kapag personal trips, hindi na kailangang mag-abiso ang mga senador,” he said

With reports from Jed Nerecina