🔴JUST IN:Top Judge Supreme Court VP Sara Impeachment Update Gatchalian Out Cayetano Presiding Judge

The Supreme Court of the Philippines. The spokesperson for the Senate impeachment court on Monday, July 6, clarified why Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero are seated together at the rostrum during the impeachment trial, saying the arrangement reflects their distinct roles while recognizing them as co-equals in the proceedings.In a press briefing after the first day of the impeachment trial, Impeachment Court Spokesperson Reginald Tongol said Escudero, as the Senate-elected presiding officer, and Gatchalian, as Senate President, have distinct responsibilities in the impeachment court.Asked whether the two officials would remain seated beside each other throughout the impeachment trial, Tongol replied in the affirmative.Earlier, Gatchalian said he personally proposed the election of Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court, saying the move would allow the Senate to efficiently carry out both the impeachment proceedings and its other constitutional responsibilities.