Manila, July 6 -- The Senate impeachment court on Monday elected Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero as presiding officer in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, voting 12-8 after a constitutional challenge was raised over who should lead the proceedings.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian earlier opened the trial, reminding senator-judges that their oath requires them "to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws of the Philippines."

"Due process and fair play must remain paramount at every stage of this trial. Let us be firm in the search for truth. And let us remain faithful to the rules of this Court, the rule of law, and above all, the Constitution," Gatchalian said.

The court proceeded to elect E...