Impeachment Trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Begins

The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte officially began on Monday, setting the stage for a legal battle that could end her political career. If convicted, Duterte would be barred from holding public office, jeopardising her plans to run for president in 2028. She faces charges of corruption and an alleged open threat to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This trial marks the first time a sitting vice president in the Philippines has faced such proceedings. It highlights the deep rift between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties, whose alliance fractured shortly after their landslide victory in the 2022 elections.

A conviction requires the support of 16 out of 24 senators. However, the political landscape is volatile, with shifting alliances and recent upheavals in Senate leadership. The situation is further complicated by the legal troubles of Duterte’s allies. Senator Bato dela Rosa, a key implementer of Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war, is evading an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Meanwhile, Senator Rodante Marcoleta surrendered to authorities on Monday just hours before the trial began, following a plunder complaint.

During the trial’s opening, prosecutors argued that Duterte must be held accountable. Congresswoman Gerville Luistro stated, ‘If a small-town treasurer cannot explain missing funds, he is investigated. If a school principal wastes public funds, he is penalised.’ Duterte, who did not attend the session, responded via a Facebook post asserting that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The Senate has up to 92 days to conclude the trial.