VP Sara’s impeachment trial to begin after SONA

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial is scheduled to start following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, Senate President Chiz Escudero has revealed.

Escudero said the trial would start as soon as the new Congress convenes, which is probably going to happen after July 21.

After 240 members of the House of Representatives swiftly approved the allegations, the Senate formally received the articles of impeachment on February 5.

Escudero stressed that the trial would be conducted impartially by the Senate, just like previous impeachment hearings.

However, pointing out that the impeachment accusations had been submitted as early as December 2024, he questioned why the House had taken so long to act.

The trial's timing is problematic since seven senators will be focused on their reelection campaigns during the upcoming midterm elections.

Nevertheless, Escudero promised that preparations would go on throughout the recess, including the creation of impeachment regulations to speed up the process when Congress meets again.

According to standard procedure, the Vice President will have 10 business days from the start of the trial to address the charges, with the option to request an extension.

Escudero described the anticipated timetable for the proceedings, which included chances for both parties to file rejoinders, answers, and other pleadings.

In the meantime, supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) have mobilized to support senatorial candidates who will support the Vice President.

It will only take eight Senate votes for Duterte to be exonerated and keep his job, paving the way for a contentious court battle in the months to come.