Philippines VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial opens amid political turmoil

The Philippine Senate, convening as an impeachment court, opened the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday amid political turmoil and deep divisions.

The trial follows days of chaos and a shootout in the upper house, along with a leadership change triggered by the dramatic reappearance of a pro-Duterte senator wanted by the International Criminal Court.

The high-stakes case could result in Duterte being barred from public office, potentially ending her bid to win the presidency in 2028.

“The trial of Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte is hereby open,” declared Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, a Duterte loyalist installed in the role during a May 11 vote.

That vote was secured by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whom the ICC accuses of crimes against humanity for his role in the former president’s violent “war on drugs” from 2016 to 2022.

Dela Rosa, who had been in hiding since November when the ICC warrant was reported issued, reappeared in time to cast his vote, enabling Cayetano to preside over the trial.

He then encountered police officers attempting to detain him on the ICC warrant, fled into the Senate building, and later escaped following a raid by soldiers and reports of gunfire.

At the trial’s opening, Duterte, 47, was given 10 days to respond to allegations of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and a former House speaker.

Duterte, who announced in February she plans to run for president in the next election, has denied wrongdoing and called the impeachment politically motivated.

Her defense team confirmed it would comply with the court but declined to comment on the trial. No date was set for the start of evidentiary hearings.

Duterte’s impeachment coincides with her father’s detention at the ICC in The Hague, where the former president faces confirmation of charges including crimes against humanity for the “war on drugs” that left tens of thousands dead.

President Marcos and Sara Duterte are scions of powerful political families who ran together in the 2022 election before a major fallout led to congressional scrutiny of her finances. Marcos later turned her father over to the ICC.

Marcos has sought to distance himself from the impeachment, describing it as a legislative matter.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the heavily guarded Senate building on Monday, with some supporting Duterte and others calling for her conviction.

“Last week’s chaotic events have clearly demonstrated that the Senate, under the leadership of Duterte’s allies, will be converted into an institution that will protect the interests of the Dutertes,” protest leader Mong Palatino told Al Jazeera.

Critics say Dela Rosa’s escape has deepened public distrust of politicians and are urging authorities to arrest him and those who helped him evade accountability.

“To our dear senators, instead of seeking justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, you helped dela Rosa evade arrest, and you removed the former Senate’s president to shield Sara Duterte,” said Manette Castillo, the mother of a drug war victim.