MANILA, Philippines – The Senate convened as an impeachment court for the first time against a sitting Philippine vice president, with Sara Duterte absent and an early prosecution motion rejected.
The Senate opened the historic impeachment trial of Duterte on Monday, July 6, marking the first time a sitting Philippine vice president has faced such proceedings.
The trial, which began at 2 p.m., is expected to span 92 trial days as senator-judges hear four Articles of Impeachment covering alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, constitutional violations, and betrayal of public trust.
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Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero was elected presiding officer of the impeachment court, a role he also held during the first, archived impeachment proceedings against Duterte in 2025. FEATURED STORIES
