Philippine VP Impeachment Trial Opens; Presiding Judge: Conviction Requires 2/3 Senate Vote

(CNA Manila, July 6) -- The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, accused of misusing confidential funds and making assassination threats against President Marcos Jr., opened in the Senate today. The presiding judge announced that convicting Duterte on any of the impeachment charges would require at least a two-thirds majority vote from the 24 senators, meaning 16 votes.

The House of Representatives voted in May to impeach Sara Duterte, sending the case to the Senate, which convened as an impeachment court. According to the impeachment articles, Duterte is accused of misusing confidential funds, bribing government officials, making assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and possessing wealth of unknown origin.

The Philippine Senate convened today for the impeachment trial. Twenty-one of the 24 senators were present, dressed in robes to serve as impeachment judges. Former Senate President Francis Escudero was elected as the presiding judge of the impeachment court.

The three senators unable to attend were Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and is in hiding, and Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are detained on suspicion of corruption.

Escudero explained at the opening of the trial that, according to relevant constitutional provisions, a two-thirds majority of all senators, or 16 votes, would be required to find any of the impeachment grounds against Duterte to be valid.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, in his opening remarks, reminded the senator-judges that the Senate has a responsibility to carefully weigh all evidence, free from bias or partisan considerations, ensuring that the final verdict is based on law and fact.

Representative Gerville Luistro, serving as the lead prosecutor representing the House of Representatives, stated in his opening statement that the prosecution would present evidence required by the Constitution, not rumors, speculation, political propaganda, or social media narratives.

Duterte did not appear in person but was represented by a 16-lawyer defense team. Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison cautioned that impeachment should not be used as a tool for political infighting to suppress or humiliate high-ranking government officials and impede their duties.

The first day of the impeachment court primarily focused on the opening procedures and the opening statements from both the prosecution and defense. Subsequent stages will involve presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses. After both sides complete their evidence presentation and closing arguments, the senators will vote on each impeachment article individually.

If any of the impeachment grounds against Duterte are found to be valid, she will be immediately removed from her position as Vice President. The Senate may also rule to permanently disqualify her from holding any public office.

Whether the related accusations involve criminal or civil liability will be handled separately by the judicial authorities after the impeachment proceedings conclude. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150706

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