MANILA, Philippines – The Senate of the 20th Congress is expected to convene for the initial proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano formally issued a notice informing the body of the chamber's convocation as an impeachment court following the transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives.
The upcoming trial comes amid intense public speculations regarding a tumultuous week in the Senate, marked by a sudden leadership change and a recent shooting incident. Addressing growing concerns over whether these events are tied to Duterte’s impeachment case, Cayetano dismissed claims that the upcoming trial is politically motivated.
“Hindi po kami magko-convict dahil lang po sa politika. Hindi rin po kami mag-a-acquit dahil sa politika. Impartial impeachment trial ang nasa Konstitusyon. ‘Yun po ang balak namin gawin,” the Senate President stated.
(We will not convict just because of politics. Neither will we acquit because of politics. An impartial impeachment trial is what is in the Constitution. That is what we intend to do.)
The elected House prosecutors who will defend the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President are expected to appear before the Senate as it formally holds the trial.
As the impeachment case moves to a critical stage, Duterte allies in the Senate majority indicate an agenda to dismiss the charges amid heightened tensions in the chamber.
Vice President Sara Duterte is set to face the second set of impeachment complaints against her as the impeachment case moves to the upper chamber for the official trial.
Written by Ashraf Indanan
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