Manila, Feb. 19 -- The Senate is allocating less than PHP1 million for the impeachment proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte, covering essentials such as identification cards, robes for senator-judges, and legal fees, Senate President Francis Escudero said Wednesday.

In a press conference in Quezon City, Escudero said the Senate will also tap an external law firm for legal services, further streamlining the process, and would utilize the witness stand used in the 2012 impeachment trial of the late former chief justice Renato Corona.

He said the piece of furniture has been inspected and deemed fit for use, needing only a fresh coat of varnish to restore its appearance.

"Yung witness box, yun pa din yung dati. Hindi pa din nakain ng...