By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The country’s political spotlight shifts to the Senate on Monday as Vice President Sara Duterte formally enters an impeachment trial that could determine the future of her political career.
The proceedings mark a historic first in Philippine history, with Duterte becoming the first sitting vice president to stand trial before the Senate acting as an impeachment court.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will preside over the proceedings in accordance with Senate rules despite criticism from some quarters over his lack of legal training. He maintained that the chamber’s rules clearly designate the Senate president as the presiding officer in impeachment cases.
The opening day is expected to focus on procedural matters, including the formal organization of the impeachment court and the opening presentations of both the House prosecution panel and the vice president’s defense team. Testimonial and documentary evidence is expected to be introduced beginning Tuesday.
Among the matters discussed before the trial was the custody of the so-called “BIR box,” which reportedly contains tax records related to Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio. Gatchalian said potential evidence should remain with the parties that intend to present it before the court.
The impeachment complaint contains four major accusations against the vice president: the alleged improper use of confidential and intelligence funds; alleged discrepancies involving her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) and wealth declarations; alleged irregularities in procurement during her tenure at the Department of Education; and accusations arising from statements interpreted as threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
A guilty verdict on any single article of impeachment would be enough to remove Duterte from office and permanently bar her from holding any public position.
Senator Panfilo Lacson urged his colleagues to approach the proceedings with professionalism, saying the impeachment court should become a venue for constitutional debate rather than political confrontation. He emphasized that disagreements must be settled through reasoned arguments and respect for due process.
Members of the House prosecution panel described the opening of the trial as a critical stage in establishing the facts surrounding the allegations. Manila Third District Rep. Joel Chua said the proceedings would allow the public to witness how accountability mechanisms work under the Constitution.
House impeachment spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said the first session should not be viewed as a contest between the prosecution and the defense but as the beginning of a judicial process where evidence—not rhetoric—will determine the outcome.
Meanwhile, Renee Co encouraged young Filipinos to follow the proceedings closely instead of relying solely on social media highlights, saying the trial offers an important lesson on democratic accountability and constitutional governance.
The Senate has allotted 92 trial days over an estimated seven to eight months to hear witnesses, examine documentary evidence, and resolve one of the most consequential impeachment cases in the nation’s history.
ia/xf
