Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial Starts in Philippine Senate

The Philippine Senate opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, July 6, 2026. The Senate is acting as an impeachment court and has charged Duterte with corruption, plunder, bribery and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Conviction requires a two‑thirds majority of the 24‑member Senate (at least 16 votes); a guilty verdict would strip her of the vice presidency and permanently bar her from holding public office, ending her bid for the 2028 presidential election.

Duterte did not attend the opening session and is represented by a team of lawyers. Her lead counsel, Michael Poa, told reporters, “We, her lawyers, are here … to prove the allegations against her have no basis.” The Senate elected Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as presiding officer. Hours before the trial began, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a known Duterte ally, was arrested on a plunder charge, and other allies have faced detention, further weakening her Senate support.

Police deployed thousands of officers around the Senate building, and protesters gathered outside. Polls still show Duterte leading the 2028 presidential race, but the trial’s outcome could reshape the Philippines’ political landscape and the balance between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties.