The Senate formally convened on Monday, May 18, 2026, as an impeachment court to initiate proceedings on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano took his oath as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court and also administered the oath to the senator-judges.
A total of 23 senators were present during the session, with the notable absence of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Cayetano directed the issuance of summons, granting Duterte 10 calendar days to respond to the impeachment complaints against her.
Following the submission of Duterte's camp's response, the House prosecution panel will have five days to reply. The Articles of Impeachment against Duterte were transmitted to the Senate by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 13.
Grounds for Impeachment
The impeachment complaint against Duterte stems from allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violations of the Constitution, and misuse of public funds. These allegations are linked to irregularities involving confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education during her tenure as secretary.
Additionally, the complaint cites threats made by Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Constitutional Process
Under the 1987 Constitution, the Senate holds the sole power to try and decide impeachment cases. A two-thirds vote of all senators is required to convict and remove an impeached official from office. The proceedings mark a significant moment in Philippine political history.
