Manila, Feb. 20 -- Former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Thursday said the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte could begin in the 19th Congress.

In a press conference of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate in Dumaguete City, Sotto said some senators believe the impeachment proceedings could start during the current Congress, contrary to Senate President Francis Escudero's assertion that it would be handled by the 20th Congress.

"Kasi nakausap ko 'yong ibang mga senador, hindi ganoon ang sinasabi (Because I talked to some senators, and that's not what they are saying)," Sotto said. "Puwede raw i-take up (They said it could be taken up)."

Emphasizing the gravity of t...