Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled again due to the forecast of continued heavy rains.
‘In view of the anticipated continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and upon the instruction of the presiding officer, the trial scheduled on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is hereby cancelled,’ a notice signed by Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. issued Aug. 18 read.
This is the second time this week that the trial was cancelled because of heavy rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon which had caused flooding in Metro Manila and other areas.
Plenary session expected to push through
Meanwhile, Senate sessions are still expected to push through on Wednesday after the Senate Secretariat released an advisory late Tuesday allowing work-from-home arrangements only for Senate officials and employees not directly involved with the plenary session.
‘Upon instruction of Senate President Sherwin T. Gatchalian, taking into consideration Memorandum Circular No. 129 issued today by the Office of the President, Senate officials and employees who are not directly involved or assigned specific tasks for the conduct of the plenary session are authorized to work from home tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 August 2026,’ the advisory dated Aug. 18 read.
Select offices were also directed to submit the list of essential personnel who would report for work for the plenary session.
Meanwhile, according to the announcement, a subsequent advisory will be issued if circumstances warrant cancellation of the session.
The announcement came as Malacañang, through Memorandum Circular No. 129, directed government offices in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces to likewise shift to alternative work arrangements on Aug. 19.