The date May 11, 2026, will be remembered as a day filled with drama, maneuvers, and stunning events in Philippine political history. While the House of Representatives moved to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate also witnessed a major leadership reversal and the dramatic appearance of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who had long been evading the law.
The House's 255 votes against the Vice President reflected the intensity of sentiment among congressmen against what is described as a betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, and issues surrounding confidential funds. However, as the complaint moves to the Senate, the tide appears to have shifted.
On the same day Duterte was impeached, Senator Tito Sotto was ousted as Senate President and replaced by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a known ally of the Dutertes. The 13 votes Cayetano received came from senators identified as "pro-Duterte," including Senator Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa's emergence was a scene straight out of an action movie. After six months of hiding due to a crime against humanity case, he arrived at the Senate and slipped through a fire exit from the basement to evade NBI agents waiting with an arrest warrant. His entry into the session hall provided him protection, and his vote proved crucial in Cayetano's installation.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed on Monday the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, having found sufficient basis that he committed crimes against humanity related to his role in the "war on drugs" under the Duterte administration.
However, Cayetano stated that the Senate will only act based on arrest warrants issued by Philippine courts.
In light of these events, a major question arises: Will the impeachment trial against the Vice President succeed, given that the majority of senators are known to be her allies?
