MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judges Alan Peter Cayetano and Loren Legarda were again absent from Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday, August 17, as the Senate impeachment court continued hearing evidence in the high-stakes proceedings.
Cayetano, the Senate minority leader, was marked absent not only from the impeachment trial but also from the Senate plenary session that day. His repeated absence has drawn attention because he has been an outspoken participant in several procedural and constitutional issues surrounding the trial.
Legarda was likewise absent as the impeachment court entered another critical phase of the prosecution’s presentation.
The latest no-shows came as prosecutors presented testimony concerning the alleged handling and release of confidential funds under Duterte’s Office of the Vice President.
Cayetano’s continued absence
Cayetano has previously taken an active role in the impeachment proceedings, particularly on questions involving the authority of the impeachment court, trial procedures and the rights of the senator-judges.
During earlier hearings, he questioned rulings and urged his fellow senator-judges to avoid questions that could prejudice the proceedings. He has also argued that the trial must follow proper constitutional and procedural safeguards.
His latest absence therefore stands out against his earlier involvement in the trial.
A previous Inquirer report said Cayetano had submitted an explanation for one of his absences, although details of that explanation were not fully disclosed in the report.
The impeachment court’s spokesperson, Reginald “Regie” Tongol, has previously said that senator-judges should explain their own absences to the public. He noted that personal circumstances may be involved and that the court would leave it to the senators or their respective staff to provide explanations.
Legarda’s medical leave extended
Legarda’s situation has a more clearly documented explanation.
According to ABS-CBN News, the senator extended her medical leave through August 19, 2026.
Legarda had earlier taken medical leave in August, with Senate officials confirming the approved leave period. Reports also surfaced about her travel outside the Philippines, prompting questions over her availability for the impeachment proceedings. Legarda subsequently appealed to the public not to speculate about the reasons for her absence.
Her continued absence, however, comes at a particularly consequential point in the impeachment case, where senator-judges are expected to evaluate testimony and evidence before eventually voting on Duterte’s fate.
Trial presses on despite missing senator-judges
The absence of individual senator-judges does not automatically stop the impeachment proceedings.
The Senate has continued hearing the case, with prosecutors presenting witnesses and documentary evidence involving allegations against Duterte. The four impeachment articles concern alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
On Day 16 of the trial, prosecutors presented witness Gina Acosta, whose testimony focused on the handling of confidential funds. The proceedings also revisited allegations involving the release of ₱125 million in cash connected to the Office of the Vice President.
The confidential-funds issue has become one of the central battles of the trial. Commission on Audit witnesses have testified about alleged irregularities in the liquidation and documentation of funds, while Duterte’s defense has challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the records and audit findings.
Why the absences matter
The senator-judges are not ordinary spectators. They will ultimately participate in determining whether Duterte is convicted or acquitted in the Senate impeachment court.
That makes attendance politically and institutionally significant, particularly when the trial is dealing with disputed evidence, objections and constitutional questions.
At the same time, an absence should not automatically be interpreted as support for either the prosecution or the defense. There is currently no verified evidence establishing that Cayetano or Legarda skipped the proceedings specifically to influence the outcome of the trial.
That distinction is important as speculation around the Senate continues to intensify.
For now, the impeachment court has moved forward despite the missing senator-judges, while the bigger question remains: Will Cayetano and Legarda return before the Senate reaches the most consequential stage of the case—the final judgment?
Leave a Reply