VP impeachment trial on as Senate convenes court

Senators don robes as the Senate convenes as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, May 18, 2026. Duterte faces allegations of misusing confidential funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribing DepEd officials, and issuing death threats against President Marcos and his family. —INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday formally convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with 23 senators donning maroon robes and taking their oath as judges.

Notably absent from the proceedings was Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who managed to sneak out of the Senate premises early Thursday following a shooting incident involving members of the Senate sergeant-at-arms and National Bureau of Investigation agents on Wednesday night.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano moved to convene the chamber as an impeachment court as their session started on Monday. Sen. Camille Villar then administered the oath for Cayetano to be sworn in as the court’s presiding officer.

Article continues after this advertisement