The Philippine Senate has begun Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, a landmark case that could reshape the country's political landscape. Source: US-ASEAN Business Council

The trial started on July 6 and is expected to span months, with 92 hearings scheduled to examine four Articles of Impeachment brought by the House of Representatives.

According to the Senate's pre-trial order, hearings will initially take place three times a week before shifting to a revised schedule after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address later this month. The proceedings will determine whether Duterte committed impeachable offenses under the Philippine Constitution.

Allegations and Trial Schedule

The prosecution has been allocated 62 hearings, while the defense will have 30. Prosecutors plan to focus on allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged assassination threats against President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as alleged bribery and procurement irregularities during Duterte's tenure as Education secretary.

"Conviction would require the support of two-thirds of the Senate and would remove her from office while disqualifying her from holding future public office."

The prosecution has listed 57 witnesses, while the defense has identified at least 45. Duterte has denied the allegations against her. Conviction would require the support of two-thirds of the Senate and would remove her from office while disqualifying her from holding future public office.

Political Impact Extends Beyond Manila

The impeachment trial has intensified political divisions between the Marcos and Duterte political camps and is widely viewed as a defining moment ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Security has also been heightened around the Senate as supporters and critics of Duterte gather during the proceedings.

"As political developments in Manila continue to shape governance, stability in Mindanao could also influence wider discussions affecting the southern Philippines, including areas bordering the Sulu archipelago, where political certainty remains important for regional cooperation, security, and economic activity."

The case also carries particular significance for Mindanao, where Duterte remains a prominent political figure and where several prosecutors and senator-judges involved in the trial originate. As political developments in Manila continue to shape governance, stability in Mindanao could also influence wider discussions affecting the southern Philippines, including areas bordering the Sulu archipelago, where political certainty remains important for regional cooperation, security, and economic activity.

REFERENCES

MindaNews. (2026, July 6). VP Sara's impeachment trial starts on July 6. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com

The Guardian. (2026, July 6). Sara Duterte: Why is the Philippines vice-president facing an impeachment trial? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com