Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is being set to serve as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court that will try Vice President Sara Duterte. Multiple reports say that members of the newly formed Senate majority bloc reach an initial consensus to elect Escudero, with Senator Panfilo Lacson stating the decision and explaining the basis for it. Lacson says Escudero is a lawyer and has prior experience serving as a senator-judge in an impeachment proceeding, and he adds that the choice is not presented as a quid pro quo for Escudero’s decision to join the majority. Coverage also links the selection to the leadership change that installed Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President. The reports indicate that the appointment will be officially confirmed when the impeachment court convenes, with one outlet citing July 6 as the date the trial proper begins. Another report notes that Escudero “may return” as presiding officer, reflecting the continuing consensus within the majority bloc as the Senate prepares to meet.