Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment trial in Senate

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon urged vigilance, warning that any effort to hide facts through technicalities in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial could destabilize the country. He recalled past impeachment proceedings, noting how attempts to suppress evidence once led to mass protest and the resignation of President Joseph Estrada.

Lead public prosecutor Gerville Luistro argued that the constitutional two‑thirds vote required for conviction should be calculated only on senators who are actually able to vote, invoking the Supreme Court’s 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling on “coercive power.” She emphasized that the threshold must reflect those present and capable of participating in the proceedings.

Luistro also said the prosecution’s stipulations and witness list have been submitted to the Senate Impeachment Court and will be resolved soon, though marking of the voluminous evidence remains incomplete. She described the pre‑trial conference as adversarial but necessary for an expeditious and fair trial, and indicated the team will return on June 22 to finish marking the exhibits.