Philippines Senate Begins Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte
The Senate has started an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on charges of fund misuse and alleged threats, a case that could affect her 2028 presidential ambitions.
More than 6,000 police officers, including anti-riot units, were deployed to the Senate on Monday as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte commenced, reflecting concerns over potential clashes between supporters and opponents. The trial centers on accusations that Duterte misused funds from her office, presented discrepancies in financial statements, engaged in bribery, and allegedly threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife. Duterte has denied the allegations but has not addressed them in detail ahead of the proceedings.
A conviction requires a two-thirds majority of the 24-member Senate. Political science professor Maria Ela L. Atienza of the University of the Philippines noted that, given the current Senate composition, the outcome could be evenly split. The impeachment process is expected to last several months, with both sides presenting evidence before the Senate deliberates on each charge. No high-ranking official has been convicted in a Philippine impeachment to date.
Analysts view the case as part of an ongoing rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families, which began when Duterte served as Marcos’s vice-presidential running mate in the 2022 election. The lower house, dominated by allies of President Marcos, voted overwhelmingly to refer the case to trial. Public reaction has been polarized, with protests demanding accountability and transparency from both the Duterte and Marcos camps.
