MANILA, Philippines (AP) – The Philippine Senate met as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, 2026, to begin the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte amidst escalating political turmoil and violence within the legislative chamber. This unprecedented move follows the overwhelming decision by the House of Representatives to impeach Duterte the previous week. The charges against her include allegations of unexplained wealth, abuse of state resources, and a public threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated amid escalating political tensions.
Vice President Duterte, who has expressed intentions to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections, has categorically denied the allegations but has opted not to provide detailed rebuttals to the charges. The allegations against her come at a time when her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing serious legal challenges due to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which has resulted in accusations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The impeachment proceedings were further complicated when 13 out of the 24 senators seized control of the Senate presidency, effectively changing the power dynamics just before the trial commenced. This upheaval raises uncertainty over the proceedings' outcome. Vice President Duterte has publicly accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of "kidnapping" her father by supporting his arrest and transport to the ICC, framing this as a betrayal of their previous alliance during the 2022 presidential elections.
Ronald dela Rosa, a senator and former police chief under Rodrigo Duterte, has also been embroiled in the controversy surrounding the ongoing impeachment. Dela Rosa has been named as a co-conspirator in ICC investigations linked to the extrajudicial killings associated with the anti-drug campaign. After months of avoiding public appearances due to fears of arrest, he resurfaced on the Senate floor to support Alan Peter Cayetano, a significant ally of the Duterte family, in reclaiming the Senate presidency. Dela Rosa's return to the Senate led to heightened tensions as he narrowly escaped a possible arrest by National Bureau of Investigation agents stationed nearby.
The situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday night when a standoff occurred between Senate security personnel and government agents in an adjacent building, culminating in an exchange of gunfire. This disturbing incident resulted in Senate personnel firing warning shots to secure the premises. In response, President Marcos addressed the nation through a televised broadcast, urging the public to remain calm amid the unfolding chaos.
Amid these events, it was reported that Dela Rosa mysteriously vanished from the Senate shortly after the altercation, prompting authorities to investigate whether the gunfire was a distraction designed to facilitate his escape. The evolving political landscape reflects the deep-seated divisions within the Philippines’ democratic framework, highlighting the ongoing instability that follows the controversial Duterte administration.
As the impeachment trial proceeds, the implications of these political maneuvers and the potential fallout from the allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte remain significant for both her political future and the stability of the current administration under President Marcos Jr.
