The Philippine Senate officially convened as an Impeachment Court on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, marking the historic start of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. The solemn proceeding commenced with senators taking their oaths as judges, donning traditional crimson robes, a symbol of their constitutional role in deciding the fate of the second-highest official of the land.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who also serves as the presiding officer of the court, advanced the convening of the impeachment court to address a motion to dismiss the complaint. However, Escudero firmly ruled that the Senate is constitutionally bound to proceed with the trial and “lacks the power to dismiss an impeachment complaint” at this stage. This decision effectively set aside efforts led by Duterte allies to derail the process early on.
The attempt to dismiss the case was led by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a known Duterte loyalist. He argued that the impeachment complaint suffered from “constitutional infirmities” and questioned the authority of the 20th Congress to transmit the articles of impeachment. His motion was met with strong opposition from Senators Risa Hontiveros and Joel Villanueva, who emphasized the importance of allowing the trial to unfold by constitutional guidelines.
Tensions ran high in the chamber before the oath-taking. A minor scuffle broke out between Senators Robin Padilla and Joel Villanueva, following Villanueva’s objection to Dela Rosa’s motion. Padilla had to be pulled back by Dela Rosa himself, while Villanueva was restrained by Senator Nancy Binay. Padilla was overheard saying “Oh ano?” while Senator Alan Peter Cayetano downplayed the incident, saying, “Misunderstanding lang.”
Tension arises between Senators Joel Villanueva and Robin Padilla after Villanueva objected to the motion of Senator Bato Dela Rosa to dismiss the impeachment complaint.
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) June 10, 2025
Padilla told Villanueva: “Hindi naman 'yan 'yung napag-usapan natin.” | via @victoriatulad pic.twitter.com/wUhTcZgzNk
Despite the ceremonial formality of the day, not all senators fully participated in the tradition. Notably, Duterte allies such as Senators Robin Padilla, Cynthia Villar, and Imee Marcos declined to wear their crimson robes during the proceedings, signaling quiet resistance or disapproval of the impeachment process.
Adding urgency to the proceedings, Senator Francis Tolentino filed a resolution proposing a 19-day expedited trial calendar. The resolution aims to conclude the impeachment trial by June 30, 2025, before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die. If adopted, this could significantly compress what is typically a prolonged and highly political process.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is poised to become one of the most consequential legal and political events in recent Philippine history. The trial will test the independence of the Senate and the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions.
With the impeachment court now officially in session, all eyes are on how the Senate will handle the weighty task ahead — whether it will rise above political loyalties or succumb to partisanship in a deeply polarized landscape.