By Enjel Amante
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has begun the formal impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte after convening as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18.
Senator-judges were sworn in during the opening session, following the House of Representatives’ transmission of impeachment articles to the upper chamber.
Despite the formal step, the trial has not yet begun. The impeachment court will first undergo preparatory proceedings, including the filing of pleadings and a pre-trial phase where evidence will be organized and assessed.
Under constitutional rules, the Senate is not bound by a fixed deadline but is expected to proceed within a “reasonable time.”
The case centers on allegations involving confidential fund misuse and betrayal of public trust.
Senate leadership remains with Alan Peter Cayetano, even as internal blocs continue to shift, with Duterte-aligned senators, including Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, playing key roles in the chamber dynamics.
