PHILIPPINE SENATE CONVENES AS IMPEACHMENT COURT TO TRY VP SARA DUTERTE

In a historic plenary shift, the Senate of the Philippines formally transformed into an impeachment court today, May 18, 2026. The move initiates the high-stakes trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following the transmission of the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives.

The transition effectively halts regular legislative functions as the upper chamber pivots toward its constitutional mandate as a judicial body.

Oaths and Crimson Robes

The session opened with a solemn ceremony where Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano took his oath as the court's presiding officer. Following his oath-taking, Cayetano administered the affirmation to the members of the chamber. Donning traditional Oxford crimson robes, the senators officially assumed their roles as senator-judges, swearing to deliver impartial justice throughout the trial.

A Backdrop of Political Turbulence

The trial begins amid severe structural friction within the legislature. Just seven days ago, on May 11, a swift leadership coup unseated former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. A coalition of 13 senators successfully voted to declare all leadership seats vacant, installing Cayetano at the helm.

Rumors of another counter-coup circulated in the capital leading right up to today’s 3:00 PM opening session. Despite the ongoing political maneuvering, lawmakers crossed party lines to fulfill the quorum required to activate the impeachment body.

The Path to Conviction

Vice President Duterte faces a barrage of severe allegations outlined by House prosecutors. The finalized articles of impeachment focus heavily on:

Misuse of Public Funds: Alleged irregularities surrounding ₱612.5 million in confidential funds split between the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Unexplained Wealth: Marked increases in personal assets accumulated over a decade.

Government Destabilization: Publicly threatening the safety of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the House Speaker during an internet broadcast.

To secure a conviction and legally remove the Vice President from office, the prosecution panel must yield a two-thirds majority vote. This means at least 16 senator-judges out of the 24-member chamber must vote guilty on at least one article of impeachment. The Vice President's legal defense team has repeatedly denied the charges, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated and will be thoroughly dismantled during the presentation of evidence.