Philippine Senate advances impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

House prosecutor Gerville Luistro said her team will follow the House leadership and appear before acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian if the Senate conducts separate impeachment proceedings. Luistro noted that Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has recognized Gatchalian’s role, despite Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s claim to remain Senate President.

Gatchalian, a non‑lawyer, affirmed he will preside over the trial and may designate another presiding officer if needed. The Senate has been split over quorum rules, with Cayetano insisting 13 members are required while Gatchalian declared a quorum with 12. The dispute over Senate leadership and committee control is viewed as an effort by the Duterte faction to block or dilute the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, a move tied to their strategy for the 2028 presidential election.