Philippines Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian Faces Criticism Over Impeachment Trial Leadership

On July 6, 2026, the Philippine Senate voted 12‑8 to make Senator Chiz Escudero the presiding officer of the impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte, rather than Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. The minority bloc, including Senator Imee Marcos, argued that the Constitution mandates the Senate President to preside over such trials, calling the decision a clear misinterpretation of the law.

Senator Imee Marcos publicly rebuked Gatchalian, saying the constitutional provision is unambiguous and that the vote was a procedural error. Gatchalian defended the separation of duties, labeling the role as a mandatory constitutional function, while critics maintained that the Senate President should automatically hold the position. The dispute reflects broader political tensions surrounding the impeachment proceedings and the future political prospects of Vice President Duterte.