Philippine Senate Opens Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Over P612.5 Million Funds and Threats
Updated
Updated · opinion.inquirer.net · May 18
Philippine Senate Opens Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Over P612.5 Million Funds and Threats
8 articles · Updated · opinion.inquirer.net · May 18
May 18 opened the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after the House sent the case to the upper chamber in a 257-25 vote.
The articles center on the liquidation of P500 million in confidential funds from the vice president's office, P112.5 million from the Education Department, unexplained wealth and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
A leadership shake-up before the trial deepened tensions, with Senate President Vicente Sotto III replaced by Alan Peter Cayetano in a move critics say could favor Duterte's allies.
Legal scholars said senators have no constitutional option but to sit as an impeachment court, even as the proceedings unfold amid wider political strain and questions over Senate impartiality.
The trial is a major test for Duterte's standing ahead of the 2028 election, with recent polls indicating the allegations are already eroding her support.
Amid gunfire and a Senate power grab, is the Philippines shielding fugitives from international justice?
With billions in alleged unexplained wealth, can a trial led by a loyalist deliver real justice?
As two political dynasties battle for power, is the Philippine economy the biggest casualty?
P6.77 Billion in Question: The Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and Its Impact on Philippine Politics
Overview
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, set to begin on May 18, 2026, follows heated deliberations in the House of Representatives and public protests led by groups like Akbayan. A dedicated House prosecution panel has been formed, with Rep. Terry Ridon focusing on allegations of unexplained wealth and misuse of confidential funds. Central to the case is an Anti-Money Laundering Council report, presented in April, which revealed Duterte received P14.8 million in suspicious transactions. These developments highlight the serious charges and intense political atmosphere as the trial moves forward.