Philippine Senate opens impeachment trial against Sara Duterte

The Philippine Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, marking a major political development after the House of Representatives transmitted articles of impeachment earlier this month.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano presided over the opening of the impeachment court, with senators taking their oaths as judges who will hear the case and ultimately vote on the verdict.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa was absent from the plenary session, while 23 senators were present during the initial convening of the court.

Senate sets trial process

During the proceedings, Cayetano ordered the issuance of a summons directing Vice President Sara Duterte to submit her formal answer within a non-extendible 10-day period upon receipt, and to appear before the Senate when required.

He also outlined the procedural timeline, giving the House prosecution panel five days to respond after the final submission from Duterte’s legal team, setting the framework for the early phase of the impeachment trial.

The impeachment court formation follows the House of Representatives’ approval on May 11 of the required votes to impeach Duterte, with the articles officially transmitted to the Senate on May 13.

Allegations take center stage

The articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte include allegations of corruption, assassination plots, incitement to sedition, and broader accusations of abuse of authority, all of which will be examined during the Senate trial.

If at least two-thirds of the senators vote in favor of conviction, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently disqualified from holding any public position in the Philippines.

The proceedings also unfold as Duterte continues her political trajectory, having announced her intention to run in the 2028 presidential election earlier this year, adding further significance to the outcome of the impeachment case.