The Senate of the Philippines has formally amended its impeachment trial rules, allowing senators to elect a presiding officer by majority vote instead of automatically assigning the role to the Senate president.
Published through Senate Resolution No. 48, the revised rule takes effect immediately and creates a mechanism for selecting another senator to lead impeachment proceedings, except in cases involving the Philippine president, where the chief justice is constitutionally required to preside.
The amendment is expected to influence preparations for the anticipated impeachment trial of Sara Duterte next month.
The rule change follows the Senate leadership reorganization on June 3 and could clear procedural issues related to the upcoming trial.
Meanwhile, Bam Aquino said he expects another senator to join their bloc, potentially giving it a majority of 13 votes.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 10, 2026
