Vice President Sara Duterte has been formally summoned to appear before the Senate impeachment court for the commencement of her impeachment trial on Monday, July 6, 2026. The summons, signed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian as presiding officer on June 2, 2026, was issued in accordance with Rule VII of the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials and the Writ of Summons dated May 19, 2026.
Details of the Summons
The notice directed Duterte to appear before the Impeachment Court at the Session Hall of the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on July 6. The summons stated that she must appear in person or through counsel to abide by and perform such orders as the Senate shall make according to the Constitution and laws of the Philippines.
Grounds for Impeachment
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11, 2026, on grounds of betrayal of public trust, serious violation of the Constitution, and abuse of government funds. The charges are linked to alleged irregularities in the use of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure as secretary of the latter.
The articles of impeachment submitted to the Senate also include threats made by Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. At the opening of the trial, defense and prosecution members will formally present themselves before delivering their opening statements.
Presiding Officer to Be Determined
In a radio interview, Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato "Rey" Bantug Jr. stated that discussions are ongoing regarding who will serve as the presiding officer for the trial. Unless a majority of senator-judges elect a different leader, Senate President Gatchalian will serve as presiding officer.
Earlier speculation suggested that Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan or Francis "Chiz" Escudero might be chosen as presiding officers due to their legal expertise and experience. The trial is expected to draw significant attention as it involves the second-highest official of the Philippines.
