The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is slated to commence after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 21 July 2025, according to Senate President Francis Escudero. The announcement, made during a press conference on Monday, signals a significant political showdown in the Philippines, as tensions surrounding Duterte’s tenure continue to mount.
Escudero confirmed the timeline when pressed by reporters about the start of the “actual impeachment trial” against the country’s second-highest official. “Most likely when the new Congress already enters into its functions—after SONA. So [the] trial will commence after that day,” he stated. This scheduling places the trial in the latter half of 2025, potentially overlapping with preparations for the 2026 midterm elections, a factor that could further inflame political divisions.
A Deliberate Delay?
The decision to delay the trial until after the SONA has sparked speculation about the Senate’s approach to the high-profile case. Escudero explicitly rejected calls for a special session to expedite the process, arguing that there is no pressing need to deviate from standard procedures. “Apart from this, who else is calling for a special session, urging us to conduct the trials before the election? Who is asking for it?” he remarked, dismissing both pro- and anti-impeachment voices pushing for an earlier hearing. “Those who are pro-impeachment or anyone against the impeachment of the Vice President will not be considered and heard,” he added, underscoring his intent to maintain neutrality. 
Escudero further defended the timeline by framing the impeachment as routine rather than exceptional. “Why would we change our treatment of this impeachment complaint? This is not special. This is not different. We only consider this an ordinary impeachment complaint against an impeachable officer,” he told reporters. His comments suggest a deliberate effort to downplay the political stakes, despite the case involving a figure as prominent as Duterte, whose family name carries significant weight in Philippine politics due to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
President Marcos, for his part, has indicated a willingness to convene a special session if requested by the Senate. However, Escudero’s firm stance against such a move indicates that the trial will adhere to the post-SONA schedule, barring unforeseen developments. This decision could be interpreted as a strategic choice to avoid overlapping the impeachment with electoral campaigning, though it may also fuel criticism from those who see it as a delay tactic.
Background of the Impeachment
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte has been a focal point of political discourse in the Philippines for months. While specific details of the allegations remain under wraps in public statements, reports suggest that the case involves scrutiny of her conduct in office, with lawmakers reportedly seeking access to her bank records as part of the investigation. The legitimacy of the complaint has been affirmed by Escudero, who recently confirmed that all 215 signatures supporting the impeachment motion are valid, ensuring the process meets constitutional thresholds to proceed to trial.
Sara Duterte, who assumed the vice presidency in 2022 alongside Marcos, has faced growing scrutiny amid perceived rifts within the ruling coalition. Her tenure as Education Secretary—a role she held concurrently until recently—has also drawn criticism over policy decisions and administrative challenges. However, the precise grounds for impeachment remain a subject of speculation, as official statements have yet to fully outline the charges. This opacity has fueled public debate, with supporters arguing that the process is politically motivated, while critics insist it is a necessary accountability measure.
Under the Philippine Constitution, the Senate serves as the impeachment court for high-ranking officials, with a two-thirds majority required to convict and remove an official from office. The trial of a vice president is a rare event in the country’s history, making this case a significant test of democratic institutions and political alliances. The last notable impeachment trial, that of Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012, resulted in a conviction, setting a precedent for rigorous scrutiny of public officials.
Political Implications
The timing of the trial, set for after the SONA, carries profound implications for the Philippine political landscape. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the impeachment process could become a lightning rod for partisan conflict. Sara Duterte remains a polarizing figure, with a strong base of support rooted in her family’s political dynasty, particularly in Davao, where her father served as mayor for decades before his presidency. Her critics, however, view her as emblematic of entrenched political privilege, and the impeachment trial may galvanize opposition movements seeking to challenge the status quo.
If the trial extends into the pre-election period, it could influence voter sentiment and reshape alliances within Congress. Political analysts suggest that the outcome—whether conviction, acquittal, or a prolonged stalemate—may impact President Marcos’s administration, which has already navigated complex dynamics with the Duterte family. The once-close alliance between Marcos and Sara Duterte, forged during the 2022 election campaign, appears strained, though neither side has publicly acknowledged a complete breakdown. If tensions escalate, the impeachment could deepen divisions within the ruling coalition, potentially destabilizing governance at a critical juncture.
Moreover, the trial’s focus on financial records, as hinted at by lawmakers, raises questions about transparency and accountability in public office. If allegations of financial impropriety are substantiated, the case could set a precedent for future investigations into officials’ personal dealings. However, if the claims are perceived as baseless or politically driven, it may undermine public trust in the impeachment process itself. Given the speculative nature of these potential outcomes, it must be emphasized that no evidence has yet been publicly confirmed to support specific allegations against Duterte.
Public Sentiment and Regional Context
Public reaction to the impeachment process is likely to be deeply divided, reflecting broader fault lines in Philippine society. Supporters of Duterte, particularly in regions like Mindanao where her family holds significant influence, may view the trial as an attack on their political legacy. Conversely, urban centers and progressive groups may see it as a step toward accountability, especially if the allegations involve misuse of public resources or authority.
The role of social media in shaping narratives around the impeachment cannot be understated. Platforms like X have already become battlegrounds for competing perspectives, with hashtags related to Duterte trending alongside polarized commentary. While sentiment on social media offers a glimpse into public opinion, it is not a definitive indicator of broader attitudes, and any analysis of its impact remains conditional until more comprehensive data emerges.
In a regional context, the Philippines’ impeachment trial underscores the challenges of democratic governance in Southeast Asia, where political dynasties, populist movements, and institutional accountability often collide. Neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand have grappled with similar tensions, from impeachment proceedings to judicial interventions in political disputes. The outcome of Duterte’s trial may therefore resonate beyond national borders, offering lessons—or warnings—about the fragility of democratic checks and balances in the region.
Challenges Ahead for the Senate
As the Senate prepares to transform into an impeachment court, logistical and procedural challenges loom large. Ensuring a fair and transparent trial will be paramount, particularly given the high stakes and intense public scrutiny. Escudero’s insistence on treating the case as “ordinary” may help temper expectations, but it does little to address the underlying political currents that could influence senators’ votes. Historically, impeachment trials in the Philippines have been as much about political maneuvering as legal merit, and this case is unlikely to be an exception.
One key question is whether the Senate can maintain impartiality in the face of external pressures. With senators often aligned with broader political factions, the risk of bias—perceived or real—remains high. Additionally, the trial’s timing after the SONA could intersect with legislative priorities, potentially diverting attention from other pressing issues such as economic recovery or disaster preparedness, both of which remain critical concerns for Filipinos.
Looking Forward
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte represents a pivotal moment in Philippine politics, one that could redefine power dynamics ahead of the 2026 elections. While the Senate’s decision to schedule the trial post-SONA provides a clear timeline, it also raises questions about the balance between procedural fairness and political expediency. As the process unfolds, the eyes of the nation—and indeed the region—will be on Manila, watching how democratic institutions navigate this high-stakes test.
For now, speculation about the trial’s outcome must be tempered by the lack of confirmed evidence regarding the specific charges against Duterte. The conditional nature of any analysis at this stage underscores the importance of awaiting formal proceedings, where facts can be rigorously tested. What is certain, however, is that the impeachment will shape public discourse for months to come, testing the resilience of the Philippines’ political system in an era of deepening polarization.
