The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Robinhood Padilla said that the minority bloc will oppose the convening of the Senate as an impeachment court if the articles of impeachment (AI) against Vice President Sara Duterte is transmitted to the chamber. The bloc is composed of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, and Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Joel Villanueva, and Padilla. Padilla said it is the group's duty "to oppose." "That's natural. That's the role of the minority," Padilla said in Filipino in a chance interview. Marcos said "there' no doubt" that the AI will be elevated to the Senate. But she dismissed Padilla's remarks that their bloc will automatically oppose the convening of an impeachment court. "We haven't discussed that yet. But Robin has been very vocal [against the impeachment]," Marcos said. Estrada also denied Padilla’s statement. "Walang ganun (There's no such thing like that)," he said. "We will follow all rules and procedures. There are many lawyers in the minority we will follow what is right. We will follow the law." Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said the chamber is ready for any eventuality in case the House of Representatives transmits the articles of impeachment within the week. "We will be ready for any eventuality. And I'm speaking for most of the members of the Senate," Sotto said in a chance interview. "That is part of our work. That is part of our job as senators. We must follow the Constitution. It's simple as that — which is to convene [as an impeachment court]," he said.
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