Senate convenes as an impeachment court to hold trial to remove or not the vice president

If the Senate finds her guilty of the charges, Duterte will be removed from her current post and permanently barred from holding public office.

All 23 Senators don Oxford crimson robes as they swore in as Senator Judges for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on May 18, 2026. Screen grab from Senate livestream.

Manuel Mogato | May 18, 2026

MANILA — The Senate has convened the 24-member legislative body into an impeachment court to hold trial to remove or acquit Vice President Sara Duterte.

All 23 senators wore Oxford crimson robes to begin their constitutional duty to determine if Duterte is fit to serve as vice president.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who evaded an arrest after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant, was absent in the Senate session.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who presided the impeachment court, has ordered the vice president to appear before upper chamber.

Cayetano gave Duterte 10 calendar days to respond to the summons after the impeachment court sent the articles of impeachment.

The prosecution panel was also given five days to file a reply from receipt of the answer.

The case is to be scheduled for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed. Trial proper shall commence at a date or time determined by the court, with the party duly notified.

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, making her the first official in the history of the Philippines to be impeached twice. (Also read: Vice President runs to the Supreme Court to stop impeachment)

House lawmakers voted 257 in favor of impeachment during its first regular session. Twenty-five voted against impeachment, and nine abstained.

The vice president is facing allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, and other high crimes. (“I delivered cash for the Vice President”)

If they find her guilty of the charges, Duterte will be removed from her current post and permanently barred from holding public office.