SENATE TIGHTENS SECURITY AHEAD OF VP SARA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

THE Senate on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, convened an inter-agency meeting to strengthen security preparations for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Representatives from various government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and intelligence units attended the meeting to discuss coordinated security measures, operational protocols, contingency plans, traffic and crowd management, emergency response arrangements, and other key concerns aimed at ensuring the safe, secure, and orderly conduct of the proceedings.

Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian underscored the importance of early preparation and close coordination among concerned agencies.

“I believe communication and coordination are important. The Senate is not designed to withstand many, many activities at the same time, and the OSAA is tasked with protecting the building, so we will need the support of our friends from the PNP and AFP to make sure that everything is smooth, orderly, and peaceful,” said Gatchalian in mixed English and Filipino. 

“We hope that we can continue to refine our plans. At the end of the day, what we want is for this impeachment process to be conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner,” he added.

Senate Sergeant-at-Arms PMGen Alfred Corpus, meanwhile, emphasized the necessity to put in place appropriate measures to protect the Senate, its officials and employees, and all individuals who may be affected by activities related to the trial.

“The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms recognizes that the successful conduct of the impeachment trial will depend on the professionalism, expertise, and dedication of our partner agencies,” said Corpus.

“By working together and maintaining close coordination, we can effectively address emerging challenges and ensure a secure environment for all concerned,” he added.

The impeachment trial against Duterte is scheduled to formally begin on July 6, 2026, while pre-trial proceedings are set to start on June 18, 2026. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)