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The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte began Monday in Metro Manila.
The case covers issues of nationwide corruption, threats made by Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., bribery and unexplained wealth.
Marcos and Duterte won the elections together in May 2022.
Afterward, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s allies in the House of Representatives filed a lawsuit alleging that Duterte had misused the funds raised.
Duterte, however, strongly denied the allegations.
In 2024, when the Duterte family described Marcos as a junkie and a weak leader, the feud between them intensified.
Duterte, who had threatened Marcos on live television, had won the first case brought against him for threats and corruption.
Subsequently, Marcos’ team filed a second case, which began on Monday.
While the trial was underway in the courtroom, a crowd had gathered outside calling for Duterte’s removal from office.
They protested with banners reading "Convict Duterte" and "Duterte on trial, Duterte accountable."
Repeated anti-corruption campaigns in June have paved the way for the court hearing.
In particular, allegations of corruption in flood-prevention projects had been raised.
It was evident that the same issue was highlighted again today. There were also scuffles between protesters and the police.
As for Duterte’s impeachment, the votes of 16 out of 24 senators–in other words, a two-thirds majority–are required.
The hearing is being chaired by the newly elected Senator Francis Escudero.
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