The Philippine Senate's impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has devolved into a legal feud, with senators acting as judges, lawyers objecting to every motion, and a Supreme Court petition challenging the trial's legitimacy.

The trial began on Monday, July 6, with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo leading the pack in full judicial regalia. However, the proceedings quickly spiralled out of control, with lawyers using technical jargon to block every motion and senator-judges objecting to every ruling.

Sheila Sison, the defence counsel for Vice President Duterte, demanded the presumption of innocence and acquittal upon reasonable doubt. Her opening statement invoked history and the 32 million voters who elected the Vice President.

Carlo Narvasa, a senior lawyer, moved to disqualify the prosecution's first witness on the grounds of lack of authentication, certifications, and even a flash drive. He demanded the full two-hour video be played in court for proper context.

The presiding officer, Senator Chiz Escudero, ruled on motions by citing Enrile versus Sandiganbayan, a landmark case involving graft charges against the late Ferdinand Marcos. The senator-judges themselves have caught the courtroom fever, with motions to strike flying across the plenary floor.

The public is reacting with online jokes, with netizens asking who's counting Narvasa's endless objections.

A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court, questioning Escudero's election as the trial's presiding officer. Lawyer Israelito Torreon and allies want the entire trial halted by injunction.

The impeachment court should breathe a different air, but the judicial fever has taken over, burying the truth in a sea of technicality.

The trial has so far shown that the impeachment court has become a platform for lawyers to showcase their skills, rather than a genuine effort to determine the Vice President's fitness to hold public office.

The trial is expected to continue, with more dramatic twists and turns.

Key Facts:

  • The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte began on July 6.
  • Senator Chiz Escudero is presiding over the trial as the designated officer.
  • The trial has been marked by countless technical objections and motions to strike.
  • A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court to halt the trial.
  • Lawyer Israelito Torreon and allies have questioned Escudero's election as presiding officer.
  • The trial is expected to continue, with more dramatic turns expected.
  • The Vice President has been accused of corruption and abuse of power.

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