MANILA, Philippines – The much-anticipated impeachment trial that will determine Vice President Sara Duterte’s political future begins on Monday, July 6, weeks after the Senate was thrown into chaos and mayhem by her staunchest allies.
The prosecution team will clash with defense lawyers in possibly months-long televised proceedings aimed at convincing senator-judges to convict Duterte for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.
If found guilty, Duterte will be removed from office and barred from seeking future government posts, quashing her hopes to be president in 2028 — a bid she announced in February this year, more than two years before election day.
Alleged offenses, first batch of witnesses
The case against the Vice President centers around four main allegations: that she misused confidential funds, amassed unexplained wealth, bribed government officials, and threatened the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.
