Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Begins in Philippine Senate

The Philippine Senate opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on 6 July 2026, marking the first time a sitting vice president has faced such proceedings. Four articles of impeachment were filed, accusing her of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery of officials and grave threats, including an alleged death‑threat video targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

Prosecution counsel presented a video as evidence; NBI Special Agent John Mark Calilung testified that forensic analysis showed no editing, while the defense questioned the video’s authenticity and argued constitutional grounds. Senator Chiz Escudero was elected presiding officer (12‑8 vote) despite a minority bloc’s claim the Senate president should preside. Senators, including Panfilo Lacson, urged procedural changes to speed the trial, such as keeping witnesses on‑site to avoid idle days. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon said Duterte’s conduct must meet the standards of the vice‑presidential office, and families of victims of the Duterte drug war gathered outside the Senate to demand accountability.

Vice President Duterte attended the Senate only to meet her lawyers, gave a brief press conference and did not participate in the hearings. She later called for an end to what she described as “fake calls for transparency and accountability.” The trial is slated for 92 days, with the Senate impeachment court hearing witnesses on multiple articles.