After weeks of legal maneuvering, Duterte’s Impeachment case has taken new turns. Since she filed her formal response on June 23, calling the charges “nothing more than a scrap of paper,” the House prosecutors have pushed forward and demanded a full trial.
House Strikes Back in Duterte’s Impeachment Battle
On June 27, House prosecutors submitted their reply to Duterte’s defense. They argued the complaint wasn’t just a collection of accusations but a carefully built case backed by documents and evidence. For them, Duterte’s move to dismiss the case showed her reluctance to confront the charges directly. The House team firmly believes the claims—ranging from misuse of funds to abuse of power—need to be examined in a full Senate trial.
Senate Impeachment Court Demands New Authorization
However, a new obstacle has emerged. The Senate announced it won’t push forward until the House plenary formally authorizes the group of prosecutors. This step requires a resolution from the full House, which might slow things down. Senate spokesperson Regie Tongol explained that this rule ensures proper procedure and shields the trial from possible technical issues later on.
Looking ahead, the Senate aims to reconvene on July 29. This date lines up with the opening of the 20th Congress and President Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, adding even more political weight to the timing. Some say linking the trial schedule to major national events reflects how deeply the case has become part of the broader power struggle.
A senior House prosecutor recently confirmed that Congress is “more than willing” to pass the needed resolution. By keeping the current prosecution panel, the House signals it is serious about seeing Duterte’s Impeachment through.
People remain sharply divided. Some insist the Senate already has everything it needs to proceed and that more delays only help Duterte. Meanwhile, her supporters see the case as a politically charged attack meant to harm her chances in 2028.
The coming weeks will reveal if this trial moves ahead or stalls yet again. If all approvals fall into place, the Senate could kick off pre-trial steps by late July or August. For now, Sara Duterte finds herself on the edge of a major showdown—one that may define her legacy and future ambitions.
