Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate chief denies P25M daily cost for Duterte impeachment trial
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has disputed claims that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are costing the chamber P25 million daily, clarifying that the figure represents broader operating expenses.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian rejected assertions on Wednesday that the Senate is allocating P25 million per day specifically for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Gatchalian clarified that the cited amount does not reflect trial-specific expenditures but rather encompasses the entire operating costs of the Senate as an institution. The distinction represents a significant pushback against claims circulating regarding the financial burden of the proceedings.
The Senate has been conducting hearings in the impeachment case against Duterte, with the trial proceeding through multiple sessions. The dispute over costs underscores ongoing discussions about the resources allocated to the high-profile proceedings.
Gatchalian's statement comes amid continued scrutiny of the impeachment process and its implications for the chamber's budget and operations. The clarification aims to provide accurate information about Senate expenditures as the trial continues.