RismadarVoice Reporters, July 6, 2026
The Philippine Senate on Monday commenced the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the beginning of a high-stakes political process that could determine her future in public office.
The proceedings, expected to last about 92 days, come amid an escalating political feud between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose alliance helped secure victory in the 2022 presidential election before eventually collapsing.
Security was tightened around the Senate complex in Manila, with more than 6,000 police officers, including anti-riot personnel, deployed to prevent unrest as supporters and opponents of the vice president gathered outside the venue.
Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing impeachment over allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential government funds and publicly threatening to have President Marcos assassinated.
She has denied all the allegations and maintains that the impeachment proceedings are politically motivated.
If convicted by at least two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, Duterte would be permanently barred from holding public office, effectively ending her reported ambition to contest the 2028 presidential election.
The impeachment trial comes against the backdrop of the detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his administration’s anti-drug campaign. He has denied authorising extrajudicial killings.
Sara Duterte has accused President Marcos of facilitating her father’s arrest and transfer to The Hague, further deepening the political rift between the two influential families.
The House of Representatives, dominated by allies of President Marcos, voted overwhelmingly last month to impeach the vice president, citing allegations of financial misconduct and threats against the president, the First Lady and a former House Speaker.
While Duterte has broadly rejected the accusations, she has yet to publicly provide detailed responses ahead of the trial.
The impeachment proceedings also coincide with legal troubles involving several senators aligned with the Duterte family. Senator Jinggoy Estrada is facing plunder charges linked to an alleged flood-control project bribery scandal, while Senator Rodante Marcoleta is under investigation over undeclared campaign donations.
Another Duterte ally, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, has reportedly gone into hiding following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over his alleged role in the country’s anti-drug campaign.
The outcome of the trial is expected to have significant implications for the Philippines’ political landscape ahead of the 2028 general elections.
