Philippines Senate Opens Duterte Impeachment Battle
Manila- The Philippine Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court on Monday to hear charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, in a politically charged trial that could reshape the country’s leadership race ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces allegations including misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth accumulation and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady and a former House speaker. She has denied all wrongdoing.
The impeachment proceedings unfold amid intensifying political divisions between the Duterte and Marcos camps, whose alliance secured victory in the 2022 national election before deteriorating into a bitter power struggle.
The Senate trial could determine whether Duterte remains eligible for public office and preserves her status as a leading presidential contender. A conviction would require support from two-thirds of the 24-member Senate and would bar her from holding office.
The political climate surrounding the case has become increasingly volatile following the dramatic return of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close Duterte ally who had reportedly been in hiding for months while facing scrutiny linked to the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the former president’s anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa resurfaced ahead of a crucial Senate vote that installed Duterte ally Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president, positioning him to preside over the impeachment proceedings.
Analysts said the leadership shift may strengthen Duterte’s standing within the chamber, where several senators are viewed as aligned with the Duterte political bloc.
“Given that we now have a new majority, thanks to the efforts of Senator Bato, it would make prosecuting Vice President Sara in the impeachment court a little more difficult,” Ederson Tapia, a public administration professor at the University of Makati, said.
The impeachment process comes as Rodrigo Duterte awaits proceedings before the International Criminal Court over allegations tied to his deadly anti-narcotics campaign during his presidency.
The renewed focus on dela Rosa has added to tensions in Manila after reports of unrest and gunfire linked to attempts to arrest the senator. Philippine authorities confirmed on Friday they would pursue legal action to detain him, while dela Rosa has sought relief from the Supreme Court, arguing there is no legal basis for enforcing a warrant issued by an international tribunal.
President Marcos has publicly distanced himself from the impeachment effort, describing it as a matter for the legislature.
The Senate has not announced a formal start date for the trial proceedings.
