WATCH: Explaining the unpredictable politics of Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial

It will be filled with drama that's for sure, because of the political character of an impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached, that is done. Look at it as an indictment if you were to compare it to a criminal case, except it is not a criminal case. But as in an indictment, those who impeached her — the members of the House of Representatives — will act as prosecutors.

Senators will act as judges and the upper chamber will convene as an impeachment court. Yes, not all senators are lawyers — how can they be judges?

From that, you can already tell the very political character of this trial. You can say it is a legal process, because impeachment is allowed by the 1987 Constitution, but much of the rules is sui generis or a class of its own. You cannot expect the trial to follow the rules of court strictly, although all sides will refer to those rules if only for their convenience.

What will be the result? Drama, for sure — and all of it livestreamed potentially in the middle of a midterm election, or just after it. We, the taxpayers, will fund it.

Watch the explainer by Lian Buan. – Rappler.com