The political alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families has completely collapsed, and the fallout reaches the Senate this week. Vice President Sara Duterte is scheduled to face an impeachment trial formally opening on Monday, July 6, at 2:00 p.m. PHT. The proceedings follow months of escalating domestic tension and a May 11 vote by the House of Representatives to transmit the current Articles of Impeachment.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian issued a formal notice on July 2 directing Duterte to appear in person or through her legal counsel. A pre-trial order established a 92-day schedule, which allocates 62 days for House prosecutors and 30 days for the defense. Under the constitutional framework, a conviction requires a two-thirds majority. That means 16 of the 24 sitting senator-judges must vote guilty to secure a removal from office.
Duterte faces four specific charges, including the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds spanning the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Lawmakers also allege she accumulated unexplained wealth, bribed education officials, and directed assassination threats at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Security across Pasay City is restricted ahead of the Monday session. The Philippine National Police deployed 6,000 officers to secure the Senate complex and implement road closures in anticipation of public demonstrations. Duterte is now the first Philippine official to be impeached twice, following an initial fast-tracked attempt in February 2025. A guilty verdict on any single article will result in her immediate removal from office and perpetual disqualification from public service.