Senate to begin Sara Duterte impeachment trial in June

The Senate has scheduled a formal reception for the House of Representatives’ Prosecution Panel on 2 June during a plenary session, marking the start of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

This event will include the formal reading of the seven charges listed in the Articles of Impeachment, initiating the process for the Senate to convene as an impeachment court the following day.

In a letter dated 19 May and released Thursday, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the move is in compliance with Rule I of the Senate’s Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials.

Escudero noted that the formal transmittal of the verified complaint allows the Senate to proceed with preparations for the next phase.

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

The Senate will receive the House Prosecution Panel at 4:00PM on 2 June 2025. It will then convene as an impeachment court at 9:00AM on 3 June for the issuance of summons and other relevant orders.

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

The House of Representatives filed the impeachment complaint in February, accusing Duterte of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and high crimes. The complaint alleges she conspired to assassinate the President, the First Lady, and the Speaker of the House.