Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has ordered the creation of an administrative support group to assist the Senate in preparing for Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Escudero signed Special Order No. 2025-015 (OSP) Series of 2025 on 20 February, with its publication following on 27 February. The special order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until the trial concludes.

“This Special Order is vital to ensure that the Senate, in its role as an Impeachment Court, operates smoothly and efficiently,” Escudero stated, emphasizing the chamber’s commitment to upholding justice and due process.

Under the order, the Secretary of the Senate will serve as the Clerk of the Senate when sitting as an Impeachment Court, in line with the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials. The Secretary is also authorized to issue administrative orders, directives, and guidelines to support court operations.

Roles and responsibilities

The Senate Secretariat will provide legal, technical, administrative, and general staff support for the impeachment proceedings. Key offices designated for this role include the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel, the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation, and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, all of which will serve as Deputy Clerks.

The Office of the Senate Legal Counsel is responsible for drafting subpoenas, writs, summons, orders, resolutions, and legal instruments. It will also prepare legal memoranda, briefs, and summaries of proceedings, maintain custody of trial exhibits, and provide procedural and substantive support to the Clerk of Court.

The Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation will manage transcripts and trial journals, maintain the Oath Book, draft Impeachment Court resolutions, and oversee all documents related to the proceedings. It will also process requests for trial documents, subject to approval and applicable fees.

The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms will implement security and safety measures, serve legal documents, ensure order during the trial, and enforce directives from the Presiding Officer regarding decorum and chamber security.