Even in his absence at the plenary session, the meanness of Cayetano is palpable. His ultimate goal is obvious: Save Sara Duterte from conviction even if that meant destroying the institution of the Senate and the country.

This is the first time in a long long time that those of us on the side of democracy and justice have been on the same page. Fully, on that one page, no ifs and buts, no bickering among ourselves, foregoing — at least for now — where we stand across the political divides. Finally, we have decided that this side, this one side, is the side we are on...The goal is to stay on it, and keep at it. And find a common candidate for 2028. We start by keeping track of this serye.

ICC prosecutor and senior trial lawyer Julian Nicholls disclosed that they intend to present 60 to 70 witnesses against Duterte, including around 31 insider witnesses who allegedly have direct knowledge of how the crimes were planned and carried out.