Philippines Senate launches impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte amid political turmoil

The Philippine Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 13, opening the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The House of Representatives had earlier voted overwhelmingly to impeach her on accusations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and a public threat to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives. Duterte denied the charges and has indicated she may not attend the trial, a move lawmakers say could disadvantage her if the prosecution’s evidence remains unchallenged.

A leadership coup in the Senate on the same day installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President, a move seen as favoring Duterte’s camp. Shortly after, a shootout occurred inside the Senate building when security personnel fired warning shots at National Bureau of Investigation agents reportedly trying to serve an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Senator Bato dela Rosa, a former police chief and Duterte ally. No injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted the deepening rift between the Marcos and Duterte factions.

House prosecutors, including Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, affirmed they will proceed despite potential political backlash, asserting they are fulfilling their constitutional duty. Lawmakers such as Rep. Gerville Luistro warned that Duterte’s absence could lead the senator‑judges to rely solely on the prosecution’s evidence, potentially resulting in a conviction.