Senate Postpones VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial to June 11 to Prioritize Key Legislation | People’s Press PH

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Manila, Philippines — The Senate has moved the presentation of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to June 11, a delay prompted by the need to prioritize the passage of 12 key legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 13, according to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Originally scheduled for June 2, the impeachment proceedings were set to mark the beginning of a historic trial against a sitting Vice President. However, Escudero explained that with only six session days left, the Senate must focus on legislation that reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s most urgent concerns. He has officially notified House Speaker Martin Romualdez of the adjustment, assuring continued coordination between the two chambers.

The impeachment complaint, transmitted by the House of Representatives on February 5, accuses Vice President Duterte of multiple offenses, including violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, amassing unexplained wealth, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez. If convicted by at least two-thirds of the Senate, or 16 of the 24 senators, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently disqualified from holding any future government post.

Vice President Duterte has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. Her legal team has filed a petition before the Supreme Court to invalidate the complaint on grounds of procedural flaws and what she describes as political persecution. Despite this, the House prosecution panel has declared its full readiness to present evidence once the Senate convenes as an impeachment court.

The Senate has laid out a clear timeline for the proceedings. On June 11, the House prosecution panel will formally present the articles of impeachment. The following day, June 12, senator-judges will take their oath. Summons will be issued on June 13, and the reception of pleadings will run from June 14 to 24. Pre-trial proceedings are scheduled between June 24 and July 25. On July 28, the 20th Congress will open with the President’s State of the Nation Address. Newly elected senator-judges will be sworn in on July 29, and the impeachment trial is set to begin on July 30.

This political spectacle marks a critical chapter in Philippine democratic history. As the Senate prepares for what may be one of its most politically sensitive trials in recent years, all eyes are on whether Vice President Sara Duterte will weather the storm or face a dramatic fall from power.

(Source: Senate of the Philippines, Radyo Pilipinas, PIA)