The Senate has officially constituted an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, although it has not yet been convened. Senate President Francis Escudero clarified the difference between the two terms, stating that the court was constituted when he took his oath as its presiding officer. The remaining 22 senators are set to take their oaths on Tuesday, with the court scheduled to convene on Wednesday, June 11.

Escudero explained that once the court is convened, it means the gavel has been struck, while being constituted indicates that it has been formally created. He emphasized that the Senate being constituted before being convened is a minor issue that will not affect the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

Escudero assured that the creation of the impeachment court does not impact the case's merits or the involved parties. When the court convenes, it will be a ceremonial event for the House of Representatives' prosecutors to present the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. All other matters related to the trial, such as pre-trial procedures, issuance of summons, and trial schedule, will be decided by the court after it is convened.

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte based on allegations of misusing confidential funds, making assassination threats, and failing to disclose all assets in her statement of assets and net worth. The Senate took several months to constitute as an impeachment court since receiving the Articles of Impeachment last February.