Sara Duterte Faces Defining Political Test in Impeachment Trial

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte faces the defining political test of her career on Monday as the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, opens a trial that could determine not only her fate in office but also whether she remains a viable contender for the presidency in 2028. The proceedings, set to begin at 2 p.m., will launch what is expected to be a monthslong trial over allegations of corruption, bribery, constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes. Conviction requires the votes of at least two-thirds of senators. The outcome could either clear Duterte of wrongdoing or end her political career through removal from office and possible perpetual disqualification from holding public office. READ: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Everything you need to know Under the Constitution, conviction requires the votes of at least two-thirds of the Senate. If found guilty, Duterte would immediately lose the vice presidency, while senator-judges may also impose a lifetime ban from public office, effectively ending her widely anticipated presidential bid. “This impeachment trial will likely define not only the political future of Vice President Sara Duterte, but also the credibility of our constitutional institutions,” said Ederson Tapia, a political science professor at the University of Makati. “Beyond the fate of one official, what is on trial too is whether impeachment remains a genuine constitutional mechanism for accountability or simply another arena for political contestation,” he added. READ: Impeachment court summons Sara Duterte to first day of her trial Duterte, 48, remains an early favorite for the 2028 presidential race despite months of controversy. The trial comes after her public split with President Marcos, ending the UniTeam alliance that swept the 2022 elections and transforming the impeachment into a contest with far-reaching political consequences. “Given the Senate’s current political composition, there will inevitably be concerns about whether partisan loyalties could influence the process,” said Arjan Aguirre, assistant professor of political science at Ateneo de Manila University. “The legitimacy of the trial will depend not only on how the Vice President defends herself but also on whether the Senate demonstrates that its verdict is grounded in evidence and constitutional duty rather than political alliances,” he added. The articles of impeachment accuse Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds, threatening President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, bribing Department of Education officials to bypass procurement rules, and amassing unexplained wealth. The unexplained wealth allegations stem from discrepancies between Duterte’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth and an Anti-Money Laundering Council report that allegedly showed billions of pesos passing through bank accounts linked to her over two decades. Duterte has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. The Vice President was first impeached last year, but the Supreme Court voided the proceedings after ruling that the House violated constitutional requirements. Monday’s trial gives Duterte her first formal opportunity to answer the charges. National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers president Ephraim Cortez said prosecutors face the burden of proving every allegation but argued documentary evidence could make their case. “It will be a tall order for the prosecution to prove its case,” he said. “The prosecution need only establish the existence, authenticity and due execution of these documents.” He said the defense is expected to challenge witnesses and documentary evidence in an effort “to punch a hole in the case.” Whether the Vice President will personally attend remains uncertain. Last Friday, the Senate summoned her to appear, although Clerk of the Impeachment Court Renato Bantug said Duterte may either appear herself or be represented by her lawyers. Aguirre said appearing before the impeachment court could strengthen Duterte’s image of accountability, while staying away “could reinforce perceptions that she is avoiding accountability rather than confronting the allegations head on.” Dennis Coronacion, chair of the Political Science Department at the University of Santo Tomas, described the proceedings is not merely being legal. “It is a battleground for the 2028 presidency,” he said. House prosecutors insist politics is not driving the case. Robert Ace Barbers, spokesperson and adviser to the prosecution panel, said the objective is to present evidence supporting every impeachment article and allow Duterte to answer before the constitutional tribunal. “The story we want to tell is that these allegations have sufficient evidence and sufficient basis, that they have a legal basis,” Barbers said in a telephone interview. Aguirre said the proceedings will also shape public judgment of Duterte’s qualifications for the country’s highest office. “Ultimately, the trial is not only about determining accountability for past actions but also about informing voters as they assess her suitability for the country’s highest office,” he said. Tapia said the allegations strike at the core of Duterte’s political brand, built on the image of decisive leadership inherited from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. The prosecution team said it is prepared to begin presenting its case. Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, who heads the panel handling the unexplained wealth allegations, said prosecutors are “in high spirits” after months of preparation. “We are raring to go to trial,” Ridon said. The first day of trial will focus on opening statements and procedural matters, with no witnesses expected to testify. Both prosecution and defense are expected to deliver opening statements outlining their respective cases, while the Senate will resolve preliminary issues, including the formal appearance of lawyers and Duterte’s plea to the impeachment articles. “There will be no witnesses tomorrow, no presentation of evidence,” Barbers said in a statement on Sunday. “The first day is meant to ensure that the rules are clear and that the trial proceeds in an orderly manner.” Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan said the opening statements will be critical because they will frame the competing narratives that will dominate the trial. The prosecution also expects the defense to file preliminary motions, including a possible bid to dismiss the case. “We are preparing for those,” Ridon said. The Senate has allotted 62 hearing days for the prosecution and 30 for the defense. Proceedings will begin with allegations over Duterte’s threats against President Marcos before moving to the charges involving confidential funds, bribery and unexplained wealth. Barbers said prosecutors would also seek Duterte’s perpetual disqualification from public office even if she resigns before the trial ends. “There mu