VP Sara Impeachment officially entered a formal phase today, as the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, commenced the opening rites on June 9, 2025. Led by the Senate minority bloc, this proceeding marks the first time a sitting vice president in the Philippines undergoes such a trial.
What began as procedural rituals signals that the Senate is now bound to take legal action on the impeachment complaint lodged against Vice President Sara Duterte.
🏛️ VP Sara Impeachment: Senate Minority Moves to Convene Impeachment Court
At today’s Senate plenary session, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III members of the Senate minority formally pushed for the chamber to assemble as an impeachment court.
Their motion requested the immediate swearing-in of Senate President Francis Escudero as presiding officer, and to have all 24 senators take the prescribed oath to serve as judges. Hontiveros emphasized that opening rites solemn and brief should not be postponed and would consume no more than an hour
Hontiveros said, “Wala pa tayo sa trial proper. Opening rites pa lamang. Panunumpa at pormalidad. Hindi ito aabutin ng isang oras,” underscoring the constitutional obligation to move forward promptly
With only three remaining session days before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 14, the minority bloc urged their colleagues to act swiftly and press ahead with even the briefest formalities. They cited calls from constitutional scholars, universities, and religious organizations highlighting the Senate’s constitutional duty.
📄 VP Sara Impeachment: Formalities of the Opening Rites
1. Reading of the Articles of Impeachment
Once convened as an impeachment court, the Articles of Impeachment—filed by the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025—were officially read into the record. The articles include allegations of betrayal of public trust, high crimes, graft and corruption, misuse of confidential funds, conspiracy to murder, and other serious offenses.
2. Swearing-in of Presiding Officer and Senator-Judges
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero took the oath as presiding officer, affirming his role to remain neutral and uphold Senate procedural rules. Each senator subsequently swore to conduct the trial with impartiality and fidelity to their judicial obligation.
3. Presentation of Prosecution and Defense Teams
The House legal team—appointed by Speaker Martin Romualdez—was formally recognized and introduced as prosecution. Vice President Duterte’s defense counsel was also acknowledged. Both teams are expected to present procedural motions and begin preparations ahead of the trial proper.
⏳ VP Sara Impeachment: Constitutional Timelines and Senate Schedules
The Philippine Constitution mandates that impeachment trials “shall proceed forthwith” in the Senate once received from the House. Although Senate President Escudero argued that formal sessions are required to validly convene as a court, both minority senators and legal practitioners insist that even the opening rites are constitutionally required.
Escudero’s initially proposed timeline envisaged:
- June 2–4: Presentation of Articles and swearing-in
- June 14–24: Filing of pleadings and pre-trial
- July 28 onward: Trial proper to resume under the 20th Congress
However, the motion by minority senators accelerates the opening rites to today, signaling an intention to comply constitutionally despite limited plenary days.
🎯 Broader Political Context & Impetus
Nationwide Calls and Institutional Stakes
Over the past months, calls from law schools, legal experts, and diverse civic groups have urged the Senate to honor its constitutional responsibility. Constitutional scholar Antonio La Viña highlighted Senate duty “inescapable” after House impeachment approval, while Mindanao lawyers petitioned the Supreme Court to compel immediate commencement .
Religious organizations like the Iglesia ni Cristo also held large rallies, stressing support for due process while urging restraint against preemptive dismissal of the impeachment complaint .
Historical Comparisons
Vice President Duterte is the first to be impeached while in office. Notably, past impeachments—such as of Chief Justice Renato Corona (2011), Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez (2011), and former President Joseph Estrada (2000)—either ended in conviction or resignation. However, none involved a sitting vice president.
Case outcomes ranged from Corona’s removal and high votes in the Senate to Gutierrez’s resignation before trial and Estrada’s trial being terminated under extraordinary circumstances . The handling of VP Duterte’s trial may draw lessons from such precedents.
⚖️ Legal Procedures, Burden of Proof, and Challenges
Strict Evidence and Constitutional Thresholds
A two-thirds majority (16 of 24 senators) is required to convict—a high legal bar. The prosecution must prove allegations beyond reasonable doubt. This includes establishing misuse of confidential and intelligence funds for both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, as well as any links to extrajudicial killings.
Among the seven Articles of Impeachment are highly charged claims including conspiracy to murder, misappropriation of funds, graft, corruption, betrayal, insurrection, and high crimes .
Scheduling Challenges and Political Maneuvering
Given the impending adjournment of 19th Congress and transitions with the 20th Congress, legal experts discussed complications arising from potential senatorial turnover and the question of whether the trial would need re-initiation post-elections .
There has also been consideration of a special session to address parliamentary deadlocks and ensure continuity of proceedings .
🗳️ VP Sara Impeachment: Public Opinion and Political Tensions
Regional Differences and Polling Data
The December 2024 Social Weather Stations poll showed varied public sentiment:
- National net support: +6%
- Luzon: up to +25%
- Visayas: +4%
- Mindanao: net –34%, reflecting Duterte’s strong base
Mass Mobilizations
On January 13, over 1.8 million Iglesia ni Cristo members rallied nationwide in support of Duterte, echoing President Marcos’ stance to delay impeachment until due process was observed.
In contrast, over 20,000 participants in Mandaue, Cebu, publicly supported launching the Senate trial. These polarization moments reflect deep societal divisions.
🛑 Senate Leaders Push for Expedited Trial
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino proposed a fast-tracked impeachment trial that could last just 19 days, signaling urgency from the administration side. This proposal underscores tension in balancing swift accountability against thorough adjudication.
🔭 Next Steps in the Senate Court
1. Filing of Pleadings and Motions
Within the next week, both prosecution and defense are expected to file their pleadings, including motions for evidence receival, schedule adjustments, or dismissal.
2. Pre-Trial Conference
A pre-trial conference will outline rules of evidence, limits for witnesses, and timelines. This stage sets the boundaries for substantive trial hearings.
3. Trial Proper
Once trials begin, witness testimony—including potential presentation of confidential documents and financial records—may surface. High drama is anticipated, given the gravity of allegations.
4. Deliberation and Verdict
Following presentation of findings, senators will deliberate privately. A public announcement will follow, requiring 16 votes to convict.
📚 VP Sara Impeachment: Broader Implications
- Constitutional Precedent
This trial tests the enforcement of constitutional mandates and the Senate’s impartiality under pressure. - Vice Presidential Role Under Scrutiny
The outcomes will shape future standards for vice presidential accountability. - Institutional Confidence
Public faith in democratic institutions may hinge on perceived fairness and thoroughness of proceedings.
✅ Conclusion
The opening of the VP Sara Impeachment: Senate Starts Trial Rites marks a pivotal moment in Philippine democracy. As the Senate transitions from ceremonial formalities into legal proceedings, organs of government, legal experts, and the public watch closely.
Both prosecution and defense must present compelling legal arguments while navigating political calculations. Ultimately, this impeachment trial may redefine constitutional interpretation and democratic accountability in the Philippines.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on public records, official Senate actions, and reporting from the Philippine News Agency. It is not legal advice and is subject to change with ongoing developments in the impeachment trial.
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Bianca Marie Reyes, aka Tita BoomBi, is a 30-year-old Filipina content creator who turns everyday chika into real talk and real-time news. Known for her witty takes and no-fake-news style, she breaks down viral stories, headlines, and public updates into fun, bite-sized content for the digital Filipino. She’s your online tita, always tuned in and always telling it like it is. With a mix of humour and honesty, she keeps things relevant, relatable, and 100% not fake.