The Philippine Senate convened Monday to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a politically charged proceeding unfolding against the backdrop of a significant rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
More than 6,000 police officers were deployed to secure the Senate, anticipating potential demonstrations from both pro- and anti-Duterte groups. The trial, scheduled to span 92 days, allows for the Vice President or her legal representatives to appear.
If convicted on charges including amassing unexplained wealth and allegedly threatening President Marcos's assassination, Duterte could be permanently barred from public office. Such a conviction would also derail her stated intention to run for president in 2028, following the end of Marcos's term. This potential outcome stems from the rapid dissolution of the alliance that propelled them to power in the 2022 elections, a partnership that united two prominent political dynasties.
Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos's predecessor. The elder Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration's controversial anti-drug campaigns. The former president denies authorizing extrajudicial killings but had previously issued death threats against suspects.
The Vice President has accused Marcos of orchestrating her father's arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court. The political landscape is further complicated by differing geopolitical stances: Marcos has strengthened defense ties with the United States and taken a firm stance against China's actions in the South China Sea, while his predecessor cultivated closer relations with China and Russia and expressed skepticism towards Washington. Duterte has faced criticism for not publicly condemning China's assertive actions against Filipino forces and fishermen in disputed waters.
Last month, the House of Representatives, largely aligned with Marcos, voted to impeach Duterte. The articles of impeachment cited alleged unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, and a threat to assassinate the president and his allies. Duterte has generally denied the accusations but has not detailed her response publicly ahead of the trial. Her supporters claim she is a victim of political persecution orchestrated by Marcos and his allies.
Conviction requires a two-thirds majority vote in the 24-member Senate, meaning at least 16 votes are necessary. Several senators with ties to the Duterte family have recently faced legal challenges, including charges of plunder, which they deny. Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who led the police force during Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, has reportedly gone into hiding following an ICC arrest warrant.