Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday said she is eager to face an impeachment trial, insisting her lawyers are “in full throttle” and that she expects what she described as a legal bloodbath once proceedings open in July.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February for allegedly issuing a death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and for purportedly misusing confidential funds. She has dismissed both accusations and framed the case as partisan retaliation.
Local broadcasts carried footage of the vice president in Davao City, where she explained that a televised showdown will, in her view, clear her name and expose political theatrics. She added that public patience for what she calls rumor-mongering has worn thin.
Impeachment heads to the Senate
The 24-member Senate will sit as an impeachment court once the 20th Congress convenes on July 22. Conviction requires a two-thirds vote, or 16 senators. Preliminary counts show at least 14 administration-aligned lawmakers, including four first-time winners whom Duterte endorsed during the May 12 midterms.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the chamber plans daily sessions to expedite the trial and avoid lingering uncertainty. He emphasized that each senator must act as a non-partisan juror despite campaign alliances.
Political analyst Ramon Casiple noted that numbers alone do not guarantee acquittal, because historical precedent shows senators can break ranks under public pressure. Even so, he acknowledged that the vice president enters the trial with momentum.
Midterm surge resets power balance
Administration candidates swept nine of the 12 seats at stake, according to the Commission on Elections’ unofficial tally. Former defense chief Gilbert Teodoro, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo and Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo—all closely aligned with Malacañang—finished in the top ten.
The shift complicates the prosecution’s path. House lead prosecutor Rep. Edcel Lagman said his team will rely on documentary records and sworn testimonies, arguing that the alleged death threat and questionable fund transfers constitute betrayal of public trust. He added that the House stands ready to present its evidence point by point.
University of the Philippines law professor Maria Ela Atienza warned that Duterte’s fiery language may alienate swing senators who value decorum. Nevertheless, she agreed that a prompt, transparent process could limit market jitters and governance drift.
Meanwhile, Pulse Asia’s April survey showed 48 percent of Filipinos undecided about removing the vice president, 32 percent opposed and 20 percent in favor. Support for Duterte remains strongest in Mindanao, where she previously served as Davao City mayor.
Economic observers are also watching the trial’s timeline, because prolonged uncertainty could delay deliberations on the 2026 national budget. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto urged both chambers to balance accountability with legislative productivity.
In the coming weeks, Duterte’s legal camp will finalize its answer to the impeachment articles, consult constitutional scholars, and rehearse oral arguments. She said she is determined to meet every allegation directly and promised that the truth, in her words, will roar louder than innuendo.
If the Senate acquits her, Duterte will finish her six-year term and remain eligible for a 2030 presidential run. A conviction would remove her from office and bar future public service, reshaping the nation’s political landscape overnight.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.