LIVE UPDATES: Senate expected to take oath as senator-judges

Tensions flared early in the Senate on Tuesday, 10 June, as lawmakers clashed over the schedule for taking their oaths as senator-judges amid the ongoing push to convene the impeachment court.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for real-time updates.

9:15 PM — Senators return complaint to House

6:33 PM — Bato reiterates motion to dismiss impeachment case

Dela Rosa cited constitutional infirmities and questioned the authority of the 20th Congress, echoing his earlier privilege speech delivered during the plenary session.

6:23 PM — Senate officially convenes as an impeachment court

Senators Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, and Robin Padilla refused to wear their robes.

5:55 PM — Senators ordered to wear robes as oath-taking begins
“Gaano ba kayo katagal magbihis, ‘forthwith’ diba?” Senator Chiz Escudero joked as the Senate prepared for the formal oath-taking. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero ordered members to don their robes, signaling the start of the oath-taking process that will convene the chamber as an impeachment court.

5:48 PM — Joel Villanueva objects to motion to dismiss

Senator Joel Villanueva objected to the motion raised by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Citing Article XI, Section 3 (6) of the Constitution, Villanueva argued that the Senate, in its capacity as a legislative body, “does not possess the Constitutional authority to unilaterally dismiss an impeachment complaint.”

5:28 PM — Imee interrupts Risa during manifestation

Senator Imee Marcos raised a point of order while Senator Risa Hontiveros was delivering her manifestation in response to the earlier motion by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had moved for the dismissal of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing “Constitutional infirmities and questions on the jurisdiction and authority of the 20th Congress.”

5:19 PM — Dela Rosa calls for dismissal of impeachment trial

Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, continuing his privilege speech, called for the outright dismissal of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Senate session was suspended shortly after his remarks.

4:50 PM — Bato delivers privilege speech

Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa delivered a privilege speech, voicing concern over what he described as undue haste to proceed with the impeachment trial.

“Imagine a house, an unfinished one, a structure being built — where do we begin? Of course with a solid foundation, level ground, as well as an honest blueprint. Hindi puwedeng may shortcut,” he said.

Referring to the House of Representatives’ late transmission of the articles of impeachment, Dela Rosa added: “Noong papaalapit na ang deadline, biglang naging buzzer beater,” suggesting the Senate is now being pressured to act.

4:30 PM — Debate intensifies over oath-taking motion

Minority Leader Koko Pimentel pressed the Senate to honor what he described as an agreement reached the previous day, stating that all senators should take their oath as senator-judges by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

“Shouldn't we in good faith implement the approved motion from yesterday that at 4:00 we should be taking our oath as senator-judges?” Pimentel said on the floor.

Senator Risa Hontiveros seconded Pimentel’s call, emphasizing the need for the chamber to uphold its own approved motions.

Earlier — Session opens with motion dispute

Just as the Senate opened its session, debate erupted over the sequence of events surrounding the oath-taking. Pimentel insisted that the motion passed on Monday should be immediately implemented.

Senators are expected to serve as judges in an upcoming impeachment trial, and the formal oath is a necessary procedural step before the court can be convened.