Impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte begins

The Senate of the Philippines convened on Tuesday to commence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Cayetano Duterte, marking the first time a sitting vice president has faced such proceedings. The trial follows the filing of articles of impeachment by a coalition of opposition lawmakers who allege that Duterte, a former mayor of Davao City and the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, misused public funds and engaged in graft while overseeing the Department of Education’s pandemic‑era procurement program. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri presided over the opening session, and the 24‑member Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, will hear testimony from witnesses and examine documentary evidence over the coming weeks.

Prosecutors presented a dossier that includes alleged irregularities in the allocation of ₱2 billion in pandemic relief supplies and claims that the vice president intervened to benefit companies linked to her family. Defense counsel argued that the accusations are politically motivated and that the vice president acted within the scope of her duties. The Senate is expected to deliberate on the admissibility of the evidence before proceeding to a full hearing, after which a two‑thirds majority vote will be required for conviction. The outcome will determine whether Duterte will retain her office pending the conclusion of the trial, a development that could reshape the balance of power ahead of the 2025 general elections.