Philippine Senate Impeachment Court Begins Proceedings Against Vice President Sara Duterte
- On Thursday, June 18, 2026, lawyers for Vice President Sara Duterte and House prosecutors began attending a Senate pre-trial conference in Manila ahead of her impeachment trial.
- The House impeached Duterte in May, citing misuse of confidential funds, bribery of education officials, unexplained wealth, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
- Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian noted the proceedings aim to "promote a fair and expeditious" trial by identifying witnesses; the conference remains closed to media to provide the "widest freedom and latitude."
- Both parties submitted pre-trial briefs on Monday, June 15, while District Representative Jinky Luistro's 11-member prosecution team plans to present at least 57 witnesses during trial.
- The Senate is likely to begin the impeachment trial in July; because the 1987 Constitution lacks specific pre-trial provisions, the chamber draws on existing court procedures to manage the process.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Senate begins pre-trial proceedings in Duterte impeachment case
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court on Thursday began pre-trial proceedings for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the first official meeting between the prosecution and defense panels ahead of the full trial. The preliminary conference was presided over by Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr., together with Deputy Clerks of Court Marivic Laurel-Garcia and Maria Valentina Cruz. Represent…
Conviction vote threshold debate no reason to delay VP Duterte trial--Luistro
The debate on whether or not the conviction vote threshold should be lowered in Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial is no reason to delay the conduct of the trial itself.Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro had this to say Thursday, June 18, as she led the House prosecution team in attending the pre-trial conference for the high-stakes trial.All 11 members of the prosecution panel were on hand Thursday m…
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