PH to convene impeachment court for VP Sara Duterte

MANILA — The Philippine Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court on Monday in a landmark political showdown that could determine the future of Vice President Sara Duterte and reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

The impeachment trial is widely seen as a defining moment for Duterte, whose political career hangs in the balance. A conviction could bar her from holding public office, effectively ending any bid for the presidency in 2028. An acquittal, however, could strengthen her position as a leading contender to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is constitutionally prohibited from seeking another term.

The proceedings unfold amid growing political tensions in the Philippines, following turmoil in the Senate that included a leadership shake-up and a dramatic security incident linked to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a close Duterte ally wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Just before lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte on May 11, dela Rosa resurfaced after months in hiding to cast a decisive vote in favor of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president. Cayetano, considered an ally of the Duterte camp, is now expected to preside over the impeachment proceedings.

Duterte, 47, faces allegations including the misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and a former House speaker. She has denied all accusations.

The exact start date of the trial remains uncertain. President Marcos has distanced himself from the impeachment process, describing it as a matter for the legislative branch.

Marcos and Duterte, both members of influential political dynasties, ran on a united ticket during the 2022 national elections. However, their alliance later fractured amid escalating political disagreements, culminating in Marcos’ administration cooperating with the ICC in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his controversial anti-drug campaign.

Political analysts said the Senate leadership change may alter the balance of power in the chamber, where several senators are either loyal to Duterte or politically aligned with her camp. The 24-member Senate will serve as jurors in the impeachment trial, with a two-thirds vote required for conviction.

“Given that we now have a new majority, thanks to the efforts of Senator Bato, it would make prosecuting Vice President Sara in the impeachment court a little more difficult,” said Ederson Tapia, a public administration professor at the University of Makati.

Dela Rosa’s sudden reappearance has added another layer of political drama. The former national police chief reportedly stayed inside the heavily secured Senate building for several days before fleeing amid reports of an impending arrest attempt. The incident allegedly involved chaos and gunfire as authorities moved to serve a warrant.

As a former chief enforcer of Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, dela Rosa is facing allegations of crimes against humanity before the ICC. The Marcos administration confirmed on Friday that it intends to pursue his arrest.

Dela Rosa has denied the allegations and filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to block any arrest, arguing that there is no legal basis for enforcing a warrant issued by a foreign court. The Office of the Solicitor General has opposed his position.

The impeachment trial is expected to deepen divisions between the Marcos and Duterte political camps, with its outcome likely to have lasting implications for the country’s political future. -Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty/Reuters