In a landmark decision on May 11, 2026, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly, with 257 members in favor, 25 against, and 9 abstentions, to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Philippine Constitution requires at least one-third of House members, or 106 votes, to approve the Articles of Impeachment.
The articles of impeachment list charges against Duterte, such as constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes.
The allegations focus on the misuse of 612.5 million pesos in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure as secretary.
Lawmakers cited irregular disbursements, questionable liquidation reports, and unverifiable recipients.
Duterte is also accused of unexplained wealth, with a sharp rise in her declared net worth and billions of pesos in suspicious transactions linked to her and her spouse.
Other accusations include bribery and corruption within the Department of Education, as well as public statements by Duterte perceived as threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. She is further accused of actions that contributed to political destabilization.
Senate leadership shift and a fugitive senator
A new Senate leadership assumed control as the chamber officially received the articles of impeachment from the House of Representatives on May 13, 2026.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa returned to the Senate on May 11, 2026, after seven months of absence. He joined 12 other senators in a leadership coup that installed Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president.
On the same day, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) attempted to execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) while the Senate placed Dela Rosa in “protective custody.” Dela Rosa is charged with crimes against humanity in connection with the killing of thousands during the so-called “war on drugs” while he served as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Amid a lockdown following gunshots at the Senate premises on May 13, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that he did not order the arrest of Dela Rosa. The former police chief fled the senate compound on May 14 and remains in hiding. The Office of the Solicitor General declared him a fugitive on May 16. Four days later, on May 20, the Supreme Court denied his request to prevent his arrest on an ICC warrant.
Senate impeachment court set up
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18, 2026. The new majority bloc, made up mostly of Duterte allies, includes Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Loren Legarda, Camille Villar, and Mark Villar.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta proposed amending Senate rules, which currently restrict remote participation in sessions to times of national emergency. Former Senator Franklin Drilon warned that the proposal’s implications have not been fully discussed. If adopted, it would allow lawmakers to vote electronically – including, Drilon noted, those arrested and brought abroad, such as Senator dela Rosa if detained by the ICC.
The amendment would allow senators to participate through teleconference, videoconference, or similar electronic means. Senator Risa Hontiveros vowed to oppose the amendment.
Sara Duterte has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations politically motivated. She has refused to attend impeachment hearings, declined to address the charges directly, questioned the legitimacy of the process, and sought court intervention to halt the trial.
Convicting an impeached official in the Philippine Senate requires a two-thirds majority. If convicted, Sara Duterte would be removed from office and barred from holding any office in government. The President may appoint a Vice-President from Congress, subject to majority approval by both Houses.
The trial outcome remains uncertain due to shifting Senate alliances and volatile political loyalties. Duterte’s allies wield significant influence, especially as the 2028 presidential election approaches.
The Senate impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte will begin on July 9, 2026.
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