Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Begins, Shaking Philippines Politics Ahead Of 2028 Election

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial has begun in the Senate, marking one of the country’s most closely watched political proceedings ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The trial is expected to shape Duterte’s political future and deepen the rivalry between two of the Philippines’ most influential political families, the Dutertes and the Marcoses.

The Senate is sitting as an impeachment court to hear the case against Duterte, who faces allegations including misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the First Lady and a former House Speaker. Duterte has denied the accusations and described the impeachment effort as politically motivated.

The outcome of the trial could have major consequences for the 2028 presidential race. Opinion polls show Duterte remains one of the leading potential candidates, but a conviction could damage or even end her chances of running for the country’s highest office. Under the impeachment process, at least 16 of the 24 senators must vote to convict her.

The trial is also being seen as a major test of public trust in the Philippines’ democratic institutions. Analysts say the credibility of the process will be crucial, especially in a deeply divided political environment. If the public views the proceedings as fair, the final decision may carry greater legitimacy; however, if it is seen as partisan, questions over political motivation could remain regardless of the verdict.

The case reflects the collapse of the once-powerful Marcos-Duterte alliance. Marcos and Duterte ran together in the 2022 election, combining the support of two major political dynasties. However, their relationship has since deteriorated into a bitter political feud, especially after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and transferred to International Criminal Court custody in The Hague last year.

The impeachment trial has also created tension inside the Senate. Political alignments among senators have become a key focus, although analysts caution that leadership battles and coalition politics may not necessarily predict how senators will vote in the impeachment case.

Security was also tightened around the Senate as the politically sensitive trial began. The Associated Press reported that more than 6,000 police officers, including anti-riot units, were deployed as supporters and critics of Duterte were expected to gather near the venue.

The trial’s timeline remains uncertain. Procedural disputes, the number of witnesses and the presentation of evidence could affect how long the proceedings last. As a comparison, the 2012 impeachment trial of a former chief justice in the Philippines lasted around four months.

Duterte’s legal team has said it is ready to challenge the accusations and prove that the allegations are baseless. Meanwhile, the prosecution is expected to focus on evidence related to alleged misuse of state funds and other charges raised in the impeachment complaint.