Philippines Senate Schedules Pre‑Trial Conference for VP Sara Duterte Impeachment

The Philippine Senate has issued a notice setting a pre‑trial conference for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment on June 18. Parties must file pre‑trial briefs by June 15 and the conference will not be open to the public. The Senate warned that failure to appear or submit briefs could result in waiving the right to present evidence or witnesses.

The impeachment charges allege misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery of Department of Education officials, and threats against the President, the First Lady and the Speaker. Duterte has dismissed the articles as based on speculation and political rhetoric.

Acting Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said the Senate has not yet decided who will preside over the trial, noting that under amended rules another senator could be chosen. Discussion is ongoing about Senator Francis Escudero potentially taking the role. The trial is slated to begin on July 6, while the Senate continues a leadership dispute involving Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Loren Legarda.