Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Expected After July SONA

The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is set to begin after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address on July 21, 2025, according to Senate President Francis Escudero. The House of Representatives has completed the impeachment process, filing charges against Duterte, including allegations of plotting to assassinate the President and misusing public funds. The Senate, which will serve as the impeachment court, will not hold a special session during the election break, meaning the trial will start only when the new Congress reconvenes. Members of the House prosecution team plan to request subpoenas for Duterte's bank records as part of their evidence gathering process. Escudero criticized House lawmakers for their delay in addressing the impeachment complaints, which were first filed in December 2024. The situation around the impeachment is complicated by the impending midterm elections, with some senators focused on their reelection campaigns during the break.