Senate Weighs Impeachment Trial Against VP Duterte

The Philippine House of Representatives maintains that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are constitutional, countering her claims that the charges are unsubstantiated and politically motivated. The House formally submitted certification and House Resolution No. 2346 to the Senate, confirming compliance with constitutional rules, including the one-year bar on multiple complaints. Prosecutors cite the seriousness of the allegations—including misuse of public funds and alleged plots against President Marcos—as reasons for a thorough and transparent trial. The Senate impeachment court, presided over by Senator Alan Cayetano, will determine if the complaint is constitutionally valid before allowing evidence to be presented. Duterte's camp argues the process violates constitutional provisions, while the House insists only the current complaint was properly filed. The impeachment trial is widely seen as part of a broader political battle ahead of the 2028 elections, with President Marcos distancing himself from the proceedings.