The impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte commenced at 2 PM on July 6, making her the first Philippine official to face impeachment twice. The allegations include misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery of Department of Education officials, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
Trial Schedule and Senate Presence
The trial will run from Monday to Wednesday for the first three weeks, then shift to Tuesday through Thursday from July 28 onward. The prosecution has 62 trial dates, while the defense has 30.
Out of 24 senator-judges, only 22 are expected to attend. Senator Bato dela Rosa is absent due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court related to the previous administration's drug war, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada remains in detention.
Defense Strategy and Key Witnesses
Duterte's defense team, primarily from the Fortun, Narvasa, and Salazar law firm, is led by litigator Sheila Sison. The prosecution plans to call witnesses from the National Bureau of Investigation and the House of Representatives first.
The trial will test the limits of Philippine political accountability and may set a precedent for future cases involving high-ranking officials.
Political Analyst
As the trial unfolds, its implications could extend beyond Duterte, affecting public trust in government institutions and the political landscape. Malacañang has urged VP Sara to attend the impeachment trial.
As the trial unfolds, its implications could extend beyond Duterte, affecting public trust in government institutions and the political landscape.