MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte hoped that the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, "finally allows the truth to emerge".
The trial started on Monday, July 6, with the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
"I hope this process finally allows the truth to emerge from the mountain of accusations, speculation, political narratives, and noise that have surrounded this issue for months", the lawmaker said.
"Vice President Sara Duterte has made it clear that she is prepared to face the charges against her. We are confident that she will be given the opportunity to answer every allegation in the proper forum and under the proper process", he said.
"I ask everyone to allow the Senate impeachment court to do its work and to approach this historic process with an open mind", he said.
The House of Representatives, voting 257-25 with nine abstentions, impeached Duterte on May 11, 2026 over alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth allegedly amassed, alleged bribery, and the kill remark against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It then sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.
Duterte denied the allegations in the two impeachment complaints heard by the House Committee on Justice. This committee on Apr. 29, 2026 found probable cause to impeach her so it sent the impeachment articles to the House plenary for action.
