In just a few days, Vice President Sara Duterte will face the most serious political challenge of her career. On June 3, the Senate will formally convene as an impeachment court to try her on a range of accusations—from constitutional violations to alleged corruption involving confidential funds.
Her impeachment, passed by the House in February, stunned even those familiar with the usual theatrics of Philippine politics. The core of the complaint revolves around funds she supposedly spent while serving as Education Secretary—without transparency or oversight. Critics have zeroed in on over ₱150 million in confidential funds, accusing Duterte of treating them like her own discretionary budget. That alone might have sparked outrage, but the charges go deeper.
Another flashpoint was her fiery speech late last year, where she was alleged to have issued veiled threats toward President Marcos and other senior officials.
The Senate’s readiness to handle such a complex trial has already been questioned. Several senators have no prior experience in impeachment proceedings, and conflicting rules from the Senate and the House could lead to procedural gridlock. This lack of institutional clarity may hinder the Senate’s ability to conduct a smooth, credible trial.
Behind the scenes, alliances in the Senate are shifting. Analysts point out that many senators remain non-committal about how they will vote. Some of them are concerned about the political fallout of either decision. Although President Marcos has repeated that he never wanted the impeachment to go forward, Malacañang has kept its distance, letting the process unfold independently.
Public sentiment appears split. A Social Weather Stations survey released earlier this week shows that most Filipinos want Duterte to answer the charges and stop attacking the administration.
Despite her popularity in some regions, Duterte’s standing on the national stage has taken a hit. She has claimed political persecution, even drawing comparisons to what her father is currently facing abroad. But that comparison may not help her cause.
Rodrigo Duterte on Trial at the Hague
In March, the former president was quietly taken into custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court. He now stands accused of crimes against humanity for the thousands of killings tied to his war on drugs. His confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to begin on September 23, 2025. The arrest sent shockwaves through the Philippines and further complicated his daughter’s position back home.
The Duterte name, once seen as a political force that could bulldoze opposition, now carries a different weight—one of legal scrutiny, both domestic and international.
A Defining Political Test
The impeachment trial won’t just be about Sara Duterte. It will set the tone for how institutions respond in the years leading up to the 2028 elections. With pressure mounting, the Senate’s role as arbiter will be closely watched—not only by voters, but by the world.
