Philippine Senate presidency fight shapes Sara Duterte impeachment trial

The Philippine Senate opened Monday as an impeachment court for Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was impeached last week by the House of Representatives on allegations including corruption, betrayal of public trust, and culpable constitutional violations. The impeachment follows a bitter split between the Duterte and Marcos political dynasties, which had united to win the 2022 elections. The trial – the first of a sitting vice-president – could remove her from office and potentially bar her from future public office, a critical blow to her expected 2028 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, a parallel battle for control of the Senate presidency is unfolding. Incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano faces challenges amid internal turmoil, including a stand-off over Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and fallout from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes-against-humanity case at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Because the Senate president traditionally presides over impeachment trials, the leadership fight directly impacts how quickly and impartially the proceedings move. Cayetano’s opponents argue his ties to the Marcos administration could bias the trial, while supporters say a change would destabilize the chamber further. The stakes are high: a conviction would not only end Duterte-Carpio’s vice-presidency but also set a precedent for accountability of high officials. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with senators acting as jurors. The outcome will significantly affect Philippine politics ahead of the 2028 elections, as the Duterte family’s political future hangs in the balance.