Impeachment Trial Opens for Philippine Vice President — Sara Duterte's Presidential Path Faces Test

(Manila, 7th — Comprehensive Report) The Philippine Senate on Monday officially launched the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, making it the first time in Philippine history that a sitting vice president faces such proceedings. The outcome of the trial will not only determine Sara's political future but will also influence her plans to run for the 2028 presidential election.

Due to the high sensitivity of the case, Manila authorities deployed over 6,000 police officers around the Senate and implemented full-scale security measures across the capital to prevent unexpected incidents.

Sara faces accusations of misusing public funds, possessing unexplained wealth, accepting bribes and corruption, as well as allegedly threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the former Speaker of the House. On the first day of the trial, she did not appear in court.

At the start of the hearing, intense disputes erupted among senators who supported or opposed Sara over procedural issues, causing the trial to be temporarily delayed.

Representing the House as prosecutors, Congressman Gevil Luistro pointed out that the case involves "betrayal of public trust" and other serious issues such as "public officials not being accountable to the people." He emphasized that Sara had previously remarked that if anything happened to her, her supporters should execute the president—comments that have deeply struck at the heart of constitutional order and are considered one of the most serious charges in the impeachment case.

Sara’s chief defense lawyer, Sison, criticized the entire trial as a "large-scale and aimless investigation," arguing that the true purpose is to overthrow the people's choice.

Hours before the trial began, one of Sara's key Senate allies, Senator Marcoleta, was arrested on suspicion of corruption; another ally, Estrada, was apprehended on June 1, while Dela Rosa has been missing since May. As a result, Sara’s camp has successively lost three critical seats in the Senate.

According to the Philippine constitution, an impeachment case requires at least 16 of the 24 senators’ votes to convict the vice president and remove them from office. If found guilty, Sara would not only be removed but would also permanently lose the right to hold any elected position—her 2028 presidential ambitions would be shattered.

However, Sara still enjoys relatively high public support. According to a poll in May this year, 51% of those surveyed indicated they would support her bid for the 2028 presidential election, provided she remains eligible.

Analysts believe that if the impeachment process is seen as fair and transparent, even if Sara is ultimately acquitted, it may help consolidate her political standing; conversely, if the proceedings are perceived as politically motivated, the result—regardless of outcome—could further intensify political polarization in the Philippines.

The House prosecutors have requested 62 days to present evidence, so this highly watched impeachment trial is expected to last several months.