Impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte begins
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte opened in the Senate on July 6, after months of political tension between her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The articles of impeachment accuse Duterte of constitutional violations and betrayal of public trust, including misuse of confidential government funds, failure to disclose wealth, bribery, and making death threats against Marcos, the first lady, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Investigators flagged private bank transactions exceeding $110 million.
Conviction requires a two-thirds Senate majority — 16 of 24 votes — and would bar Duterte from public office, derailing the presidential run she has announced for 2028. Shortly before proceedings began, her ally Senator Rodante Marcoleta was arrested on corruption charges, a move that could weaken her support in the chamber. More than 6,000 police were deployed around the Senate amid concern over protests. The trial is expected to run for several months.
The case marks the open rupture of the Marcos–Duterte alliance that swept both to power in 2022, pitting the country’s two most powerful political dynasties against each other ahead of the next presidential race.