Senate opening Sara trial with reading of charges

The Senate is set to formally receive the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte on 2 June, marking the start of her historic impeachment trial.

In a plenary session scheduled for 4 p.m., the House of Representatives’ prosecution panel will present and read the seven charges against Duterte—an act that will officially trigger the Senate’s role as an impeachment court.

The procedural step clears the way for the Senate to convene as an impeachment court the next day, 3 June at 9 a.m., when it is expected to issue summons and other pertinent orders.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed the development in a letter dated 19 May and released to the media on Thursday. He said the move is in line with Rule I of the Senate’s Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.

Escudero explained that the formal transmittal of the verified complaint from the House will enable the Senate to begin preparations for the proceedings.

“As stated in our letter dated 24 February 2025, the Senate shall expect the prosecution to read the seven charges under the Articles of Impeachment in open session,” Escudero wrote in a letter addressed to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Office of the Vice President confirmed that it received the Senate’s letter on 19 May.

The House filed the impeachment complaint in February, accusing Duterte of betrayal of public trust, culpable violations of the Constitution, and high crimes.

The most serious allegation claims she contracted an assassin to murder President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez.