More than 6,000 police officers were deployed around the Senate of the Philippines on Monday as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte got underway, with both supporters and opponents protesting near the building.
The trial, which will reportedly last 92 days, comes against the backdrop of a growing feud between the Dutertes and Marcos, the two most influential political dynasties in the Philippines.
This is the first time that a Vice President of the Philippines has faced a Senate impeachment court.
What are the charges against Sara Duterte?
Last month, the House of Representatives, dominated by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., voted overwhelmingly to impeach the vice president.
Duterte, 48, is accused of misusing government funds and accumulating undeclared assets.
He also faces charges related to public threats against Marcos, his wife and a key political aide.
The charge is based on statements made by Duterte during a livestream in November 2024, when he suggested that someone should kill President Marcos if he himself was assassinated.
During Monday’s opening session, prosecutors focused primarily on corruption charges.
Congresswoman Gervil Luistro, presenting the prosecution’s opening argument, said, “If ordinary Filipinos are held accountable, why not the most powerful government official? That’s why the trial is important.”
Duterte has denied all wrongdoing. She did not appear in the Senate on Monday, but her defense lawyer argued that the impeachment case was politically motivated.
Marcos-Duterte family feud
The trial comes against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter feud between Marcos and Dutertes.
Marcos and Duterte won the 2022 elections together, but relations have deteriorated rapidly since then.
Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to the deadly anti-drug campaign during his tenure from 2016 to 2022.
He has accused Marcos of colluding with the ICC to help arrest his father.
In February 2026, she announced that she would run for president in 2028. Marcos is constitutionally barred from seeking another six-year term, but is expected to support an ally in the race.
A poll published in May showed Duterte in the clear lead.
Sara Duterte’s political future is in danger
The impeachment trial could determine whether Duterte remains a viable presidential contender.
If found guilty, he could be permanently barred from holding public office. Conviction requires a two-thirds majority – 16 votes – in the 24-member Senate.
Before the trial, two key associates of Duterte were arrested on corruption-related charges. One of them, Senator Rodante Marcolleta, was detained hours before the start of Monday’s proceedings.
Analysts say the trial, which is already highly politicized, will test the strength of the Philippines’ political institutions.
Even if Duterte is acquitted, the proceedings could damage his political standing ahead of the 2028 elections.
Edited by: Timothy Jones
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