THE Senate is expected to convene on Monday as an impeachment court that will try Vice President Sara Duterte, marking a major political and constitutional high point.
Senators will take their oath as judges during the opening session. Senate officials are also expected to adopt the rules of procedure that will govern the conduct of the trial, including the presentation of evidence, filing of motions, and schedules for hearings. All members of the House of Representatives' prosecution panel will attend the proceedings on Monday.
Security around the Senate complex in Pasay City has been tightened ahead of the trial.
The impeachment complaint, transmitted by the House of Representatives earlier this year, contains allegations, involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds, questions regarding budget expenditures, and accusations of abuse of authority.
Political observers believe the trial could shape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections.
Duterte has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and maintained that all funds under her office were properly used and accounted for.
The Constitution gives the House of Representatives the exclusive power to initiate impeachment cases, and the Senate to try and decide them.
A two-thirds vote of all senators is required to convict and remove an impeachable official from office.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano is expected to preside over the proceedings, although constitutional experts note that the Supreme Court Chief Justice only presides when the president is the one on trial.
Legal analysts expect the first day to focus largely on organizational matters, including the issuance of summons, confirmation of appearances by the prosecution and defense panels, and discussions on the trial calendar.
Each side is also expected to present its preliminary legal positions before substantive hearings begin in the coming weeks.
The prosecution panel from the House is expected to argue that the allegations constitute betrayal of public trust and possible violations of the Constitution, while Duterte’s legal team is expected to challenge both the factual basis and legal sufficiency of the complaint.
Impeachment is a constitutional process used to remove high-ranking government officials accused of serious offenses, including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.
The president, vice president, Supreme Court justices, constitutional commissioners, and the ombudsman may be impeached under the Constitution.
The process begins in the House of Representatives. If at least one-third of House members support the complaint, the articles of impeachment are transmitted to the Senate.
Once transmitted, the Senate must convene as an impeachment court.
The impeachment proceedings of Duterte are expected to focus on several controversial issues, including confidential and Intelligence Funds.
One major issue involves questions surrounding the use of confidential and intelligence funds during Duterte’s time as vice president and former education secretary.
Lawmakers and critics have sought greater transparency on how the funds were spent.
Duterte is also facing charges of misuse of public funds. The prosecution may also present audit findings, government documents, and testimonies related to allegations of improper use of public money.
The trial could also become a broader debate on accountability among top government officials and how public funds should be monitored.
Several senators have indicated they would remain impartial if the trial proceeds.
Cayetano said the Senate would follow constitutional procedures and ensure due process.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson emphasized that the senator-judges should focus on evidence and facts presented during the proceedings.
Sen. Joel Villanueva said lawmakers should avoid prejudging the case.
Still, political analysts expect the proceedings to test alliances within the Senate, especially since some senators are considered close either to the Duterte family or to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Philippines has experienced several major impeachment proceedings in the past.
From 2000 to 2001, President Joseph Estrada faced impeachment over corruption allegations.
The trial became highly politicized and ended dramatically after prosecutors walked out. Massive street protests followed, eventually leading to Estrada’s removal from power through the EDSA Dos uprising.
In 2012, Chief Justice Renato Corona was convicted by the Senate for failing to fully disclose his assets.
The Corona trial demonstrated the importance of documentary evidence, public testimony, and televised hearings in shaping public opinion.
It also established procedures that may again be used in a Duterte trial, including written pleadings and direct questioning by senator-judges.
In 2011, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez resigned before her impeachment trial concluded.
Her resignation highlighted how political pressure alone can sometimes change the outcome before a final Senate vote.
The impeachment case of Sara Duterte comes amid growing political tensions between allies of the Duterte family and the Marcos administration.
If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office, and permanently barred from holding public office.
An acquittal could strengthen her political position ahead of future elections
