Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Begins

The Philippine Senate convened on July 6, 2026 as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the first impeachment trial of a sitting Philippine vice president. The House of Representatives has filed four Articles of impeachment: alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, bribery and procurement irregularities in the Department of Education, and assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta‑Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Conviction requires the votes of at least two‑thirds of the 24‑member Senate (16 votes) and would remove Duterte from office and permanently bar her from holding public office.

The trial is set for 92 days—62 for prosecution and 30 for the defense. The House prosecution team, led by Rep. Gerville Luistro and supported by a roster of lawmakers and private lawyers, will present evidence on the four articles. Duterte’s defense is headed by a 16‑member team from the law firm Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar, with Michael Poa serving as spokesperson. Prosecutor Zia Alonto Adiong said the team is “100 percent ready,” while public‑policy analyst Ederson Tapia warned that the trial’s credibility will shape public perception and could influence the 2028 presidential race, for which Duterte is a leading contender.