In a significant political development for the Philippines, the Senate has officially convened as an impeachment court to try the case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano announced the transition on Monday, marking a critical juncture in the nation's political landscape.
The proceedings follow a rapid series of events this month. On May 11, the House of Representatives secured the necessary votes to impeach the Vice President, with the formal articles of impeachment subsequently transmitted to the Senate on May 13.
The charges brought against Sara Duterte are severe, encompassing allegations of corruption, assassination plots, inciting sedition, and patterns of abuse. These accusations place the Vice President in a precarious position, especially given her current political trajectory.
The stakes for the trial are exceptionally high. Having announced her candidacy for the 2028 Philippine presidential election in February this year, Sara Duterte now faces the possibility of a permanent exit from public service. According to the legal framework, if more than two-thirds of the senators vote in favor of impeachment, she will be convicted, removed from office, and barred from holding any public office for life.
During the plenary session, a total of 23 senators were in attendance. Notably, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, was absent from the proceedings.
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Philippine Senate convenes as impeachment court to try VP Sara Duterte
cgtn.com
