House Prepares for VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial
The House of Representatives is nearly ready for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Representative Jil Bongalon, a member of the 11-person House prosecution team, stated that preparations are about 90% complete. This includes selecting witnesses who have already been vetted during previous House hearings. The team is also gathering documents to support their case.
Senate Trial Timeline
Senate President Francis Escudero has outlined a schedule for the impeachment trial. The process is set to begin on June 2, 2025, with the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment and approval of trial rules. The actual trial is expected to start on July 30, 2025. This timeline allows the Senate to prepare thoroughly and ensures that all procedures are followed correctly.
Charges Against the Vice President
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte includes several serious allegations:
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Betrayal of Public Trust: Accusations of actions that have eroded public confidence.
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Violation of the Constitution: Claims that she has not adhered to constitutional mandates.
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Graft and Corruption: Allegations of involvement in corrupt activities.
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Other High Crimes: Including a reported threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated if there was an attempt on her life.
Vice President’s Response
In response to the impeachment, Vice President Duterte has filed a petition with the Supreme Court. She argues that the impeachment process is invalid, claiming that the House committed “grave abuse of discretion” and violated constitutional rules by pursuing multiple impeachment proceedings within a year. Her legal team is seeking to halt the Senate trial, asserting that the impeachment is politically motivated.
Next Steps
As the Senate prepares for the trial, both the prosecution and defense are finalizing their strategies. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape, especially with upcoming midterm elections potentially influencing the composition of the Senate, which will act as the impeachment court.
