Senate President Francis Escudero has unveiled a proposed timetable for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings set to commence on July 30, 2025. This announcement follows the House of Representatives’ approval of impeachment articles against Duterte on February 5, 2025, marking the first time a Philippine vice president has faced such proceedings.
Proposed Impeachment Trial Schedule
The Senate’s planned schedule outlines key dates leading up to the trial:
- June 2: Resumption of congressional sessions and presentation of the articles of impeachment.
- June 3: Formation of the impeachment court and oath-taking of incumbent senator-judges.
- June 4: Issuance of summons to the involved parties.
- June 14 to 24: Submission and reception of pleadings from both the prosecution and defense.
- June 24 to July 25: Pre-trial proceedings to address preliminary matters.
- July 28: Inaugural session of the Senate of the 20th Congress.
- July 29: Oath-taking of newly elected senator-judges before convening as an impeachment court.
- July 30: Commencement of the formal impeachment trial.
Senate President Escudero has emphasized the chamber’s commitment to adhering to this timeline. He noted that both the prosecution and defense will have ample time to prepare, adding that the Senate “will not tolerate any dilatory motion or pleading.” The goal is to ensure a swift and efficient trial.
The impeachment charges against Vice President Duterte include allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. Key accusations involve the controversial use of confidential and intelligence funds by both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, purported assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.
The House of Representatives has appointed 11 members to serve as prosecutors, responsible for presenting the case against Duterte before the Senate, which will act as the impeachment court. Escudero, as Senate President, will preside over the trial.
Escudero has projected that the trial will conclude within a three-month timeframe, with a verdict expected by October 2025. This schedule aligns with the legislative calendar, aiming to resolve the proceedings before the congressional Halloween break.
As the trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defense teams are preparing their arguments. The outcome of this historic impeachment trial is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of the Philippines, as it addresses serious allegations against the country’s second-highest official.