Impeachment trial of Philippine VP Sara Duterte begins today

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which begins Monday, is set to frame the Philippines 2028 presidential race and deepen a schism between two storied political dynasties that has plunged the Senate into turmoil.



The outcome will not only determine whether Duterte could run for the presidency, it will also test confidence in the Southeast Asian nation’s institutions and politicians.



Analysts say the key will be whether the public sees the verdict as credible or instead driven by partisan interests.



It remains unclear how long the trial will last, with factors such as procedural disputes, the number of witnesses and the presentation of evidence likely to determine its pace.



The impeachment trial of a former chief justice in 2012 lasted four months. A conviction requires the votes of at least 16 of the Senate’s 24 members.



Opinion polls show Duterte is a leading contender for the 2028 election, but a guilty verdict could jeopardise her presidential ambitions.



The first impeachment trial of a vice president centres on allegations that Duterte misused public funds, amassed unexplained wealth and threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady and a former House Speaker.