Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on October 27, 2026, urged fellow senator-judges in the Duterte impeachment trial to set aside personal political ambitions and consider declining the vice presidency if Sara Duterte is convicted and removed from office.

Key Takeaways

  • Cayetano said the proposed commitment would address concerns about impartiality, not prejudge the verdict.
  • Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero has said he would decline the vice presidency if Duterte were removed.
  • A replacement would require a presidential nomination and confirmation by both chambers of Congress.

Duterte impeachment trial and the proposed pledge

Cayetano welcomed Escudero’s declaration, saying it gave the public reason to trust that the prospect of becoming vice president would not influence his vote. Cayetano said he had invited other senator-judges to make the same commitment, while acknowledging that each remained free to decide.

He argued that senators could keep an open mind about the evidence while deciding in advance whether they would accept the office if it became vacant.

Concerns about discussing a successor

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said it was improper to discuss the trial’s outcome in advance and assured the public that the Senate would reach a fair and impartial decision. Senator JV Ejercito also described discussion of the vice presidency as premature while the verdict remained uncertain.

Cayetano said he initially shared those reservations and agreed that the Senate should not discuss a successor as though conviction were certain. He nevertheless argued that a prior commitment could address potential conflicts of interest.

Under the Constitution, the president may nominate a replacement for a vacant vice presidency from among members of the Senate or House of Representatives. Both chambers must confirm the nominee, and a senator may decline the nomination.

Read More News

More FinanceVelix news

Disclaimer

This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.