In a landmark political event, Philippine senators were formally sworn in as jurors on Tuesday to commence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. If convicted of high crimes and breach of public trust, Duterte could face a permanent disqualification from holding public office.
The proceedings are expected to reshape the political landscape, potentially altering the trajectory of Duterte’s ambitions and testing the strength of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration as he enters the second half of his term. Duterte, 47, seen by many as a frontrunner for the 2028 presidential race, was impeached by the House of Representatives in February.
The accusations range from questionable budget practices and unexplained wealth to making threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte has firmly denied all charges, calling them unfounded and politically charged. “We are prepared to expose the utter lack of merit in these allegations,” her office declared in a public statement.
The Senate convened with the Speaker of the House presiding over the trial. A conviction would require a two-thirds majority vote, effectively ending Duterte’s chances for a presidential bid. She has been granted ten days to formally respond to the charges and is expected to appear before the tribunal in person.
One of the earliest motions was raised by Duterte ally Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who challenged the legality of the impeachment itself, asserting procedural lapses. "Should this body proceed with a complaint so deeply flawed?" he asked his fellow senators.
From Alliance to Antagonism
This high-stakes trial underscores the deep rift between Duterte and Marcos, once political allies who shared a joint victory in the 2022 elections. With Marcos restricted to a single term, speculation has mounted that he is quietly positioning an alternative successor to counter Duterte's growing influence.
Despite his close allies initiating the impeachment, President Marcos has maintained a measured distance from the proceedings, emphasizing neutrality. Still, last month’s midterm elections showed strong support for Duterte-aligned candidates, signaling her continued grassroots clout.
This case adds to the list of rare impeachments in the Philippines. Of the five senior officials previously subjected to the process, only former Chief Justice Renato Corona was convicted. Trials against figures like President Joseph Estrada were cut short, while others resigned before final judgment.
Duterte has asked the Supreme Court to intervene and invalidate the impeachment, labeling it a strategic political attack. “Impeachment should uphold constitutional integrity, not be wielded as a tool to silence rivals,” her office reiterated.
As the nation watches closely, the trial could serve as a defining moment not just for Sara Duterte’s political future, but also for the democratic integrity of the Philippine justice system.