Members of the Senate took their oath as senator-judges as the chamber convened as an impeachment court to hear the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. Source: Senate of the Philippines Facebook

The Senate confirmed that Duterte’s impeachment trial will formally begin on July 6, adding another dramatic chapter to the growing conflict between the Duterte and Marcos political camps. The trial comes after months of investigations, leadership struggles inside the Senate, and legal battles connected to the Duterte family.

Senator Erwin Tulfo announced that senators agreed on the trial schedule during a caucus meeting on May 20. Proceedings are expected to run from Monday to Wednesday afternoons, while regular Senate sessions will continue in the mornings. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, considered an ally of the Duterte camp, is presiding over the impeachment court. The impeachment process has quickly become one of the most closely watched political events in Southeast Asia.

Charges Against Sara Duterte Raise Political Stakes

Sara Duterte faces accusations that include misuse of confidential government funds, corruption, unexplained wealth, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and members of his family. She has denied all allegations.

Her legal team says it is prepared to challenge the accusations before the Senate. Under Philippine law, a two-thirds vote in the 24-member Senate is needed to convict her. If convicted, Duterte would lose her position as vice president and could be permanently barred from holding public office.

"The new trial now places the political crisis back at the center of national attention."

The impeachment case is especially important because Duterte is widely viewed as a possible presidential candidate in 2028. That makes the trial more than a legal process. It is also a battle over the future balance of political power in the Philippines. This is not Duterte’s first impeachment fight. Earlier proceedings were halted after the Supreme Court ruled that constitutional rules prevented multiple impeachment processes within the same year. The new trial now places the political crisis back at the center of national attention.

Senate Turmoil and ICC Arrest Drama Intensify Crisis

The impeachment process is unfolding alongside wider political chaos inside the Philippine Senate. In recent weeks, former police chief and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa became the focus of another national controversy. Dela Rosa faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court linked to allegations of crimes against humanity during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

"The incident shocked many Filipinos because violence inside one of the country’s highest political institutions is extremely rare."

Tensions escalated dramatically when police and security personnel attempted to arrest dela Rosa inside the Senate building. Reports described gunshots ringing through the halls of the legislature as confusion spread among lawmakers, journalists, and security forces.

The incident shocked many Filipinos because violence inside one of the country’s highest political institutions is extremely rare. It also highlighted how the political feud between the Marcos and Duterte camps is now affecting not only elections and public opinion, but also state institutions themselves. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Duterte remains under international legal pressure after being transferred to The Hague to face proceedings connected to his deadly anti-drug campaign. The elder Duterte’s legal troubles continue to shape Philippine politics and heavily influence support for his daughter.

A Long Political Battle With National Consequences

Even if Sara Duterte survives the impeachment trial, analysts believe the political conflict between the Duterte and Marcos families is unlikely to end soon. The struggle increasingly resembles a long-term power contest ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Both camps continue using political alliances, investigations, court actions, and public messaging to strengthen their positions.

The impeachment proceedings are expected to remain a major national issue in the coming months as the Senate prepares for the full trial process. Legal analysts and political observers are closely monitoring how the constitutional process will unfold, particularly as senators review evidence and hear arguments from both the prosecution and Duterte’s legal team.

"Areas such as Sulu, which have long dealt with economic challenges, security concerns, and fragile political structures, often depend on stable national leadership and functioning institutions."

For many regions outside Manila, the growing instability raises serious concerns. Provinces in Mindanao, including Sulu, closely watch developments at the national level because shifts in political leadership and governance priorities often influence regional policy decisions, public programs, infrastructure planning, and coordination between local and national officials.

Areas such as Sulu, which have long dealt with economic challenges, security concerns, and fragile political structures, often depend on stable national leadership and functioning institutions. Political uncertainty in Manila can slow development projects, weaken investor confidence, and distract government attention from regional needs. In places like Sulu, where local communities continue balancing security, trade, and economic recovery, prolonged national political conflict creates risks that go far beyond elite political rivalries. The outcome of the Sara Duterte trial may therefore shape not only the future of one political family, but also the broader stability of the Philippine state in the years ahead.

REFERENCES

Al Jazeera. (2026, May 13). Gunshots ring out at Philippine Senate where lawmaker is holed up. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com

Know Sulu. (2026, May 13). Philippine House impeaches Vice President Sara Duterte. Know Sulu. https://know-sulu.ph

Rappler. (2026, May 21). Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to begin on July 6. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com

The Diplomat. (2026, May 19). Philippine Senate kicks off impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com