Calls for continued public vigilance emerged after the Senate formally convened as an impeachment court to hear the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, marking a major development following days of political tension at the chamber.
A senior lawmaker described Monday’s proceedings as a positive shift from the turmoil that surrounded the Senate last week, including the shooting incident reported within the Senate complex.
In a post on X, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the orderly convening of the impeachment court and the observance of parliamentary procedures reflected a sharp contrast to the tensions that previously gripped the institution.
“The stark contrast between the smell of gunpowder last week and the breath of fresh air in the Senate yesterday was evident when we convened as an impeachment court after all the parliamentary procedures were strictly followed. May the public vigilance remain unabated,” he said.
The Senate officially transformed into an impeachment court after receiving the Articles of Impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives against Duterte.
The impeachment articles were delivered to the Senate on May 13 amid heightened tensions linked to reports of a possible arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
He earlier warned against what he described as the dangers of unchecked power and impunity in the aftermath of the recent incidents surrounding the Senate.
“Arrogance of power, like impunity, has its limits,” he noted.