Philippines opens impeachment trial of VP Duterte amid political turmoil
The 24-member Senate court will hear allegations of graft, bribery and misuse of funds as Duterte faces a possible ban from office if convicted.
- The Philippine Senate convened as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, 2026, to hear the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, with police establishing formations outside the complex in Pasay City.
- Impeachment proceedings followed the House's transmittal of formal articles against Duterte on Wednesday, May 13, shortly before gunfire erupted at the Senate complex.
- Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered reinforced security nationwide, stating, "We expect high emotions from the supporters and this is the part when police presence is needed to maintain peace and order."
- Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano placed Senator Bato dela Rosa under "protective custody" after the lawmaker, wanted by the International Criminal Court, hid in the Senate to evade arrest.
- Authorities continue monitoring potential demonstrations in Metro Manila and Davao City, the Duterte family's bailiwick, as the impeachment trial deepens political divisions between the country's top leaders and their respective allies.
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In the Philippines, impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte have been initiated. The feud between two political dynasties led to gunfire in the Senate last week.
Philippine senators sworn in as judges for VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial
MANILA, May 18 — Philippine lawmakers were on Monday sworn in to serve as judges in the trial of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the second attempt since last year to force her from office.Sixteen votes in the 24-seat Senate would be needed to convict the daughter of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, an outcome that seems unlikely as the chamber is packed with her allies.The Senate court has yet to set the trial dates, but ordered the charges…
Philippines convenes court for Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial
MANILA — The Philippine Senate convened an impeachment court on Monday with the senators sworn in to serve as judges for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte over criminal charges. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Sara Duterte last Monday over alleged unexplained wealth, misuse of state funds and a public threat to have the president assassinated if she herself were killed due to their political disputes. Under th…
Rappler Recap: Sara Duterte impeachment court convened, no coup vs Cayetano... for now
MANILA, Philippines – There were many questions up in the air ahead of the Senate plenary session on Monday, May 18, but the day ended with Alan Peter Cayetano still occupying the Senate presidency, and the impeachment court that will try Vice President Sara Duterte convened. Rappler’s Dwight de Leon, Jairo Bolledo, and Patrick Cruz break down what happened in the hours leading to the Monday afternoon session, and during the session itself in th…
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