MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is looking to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on August 4, just one week after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), according to Senator Joel Villanueva.
Villanueva confirmed that informal discussions have taken place with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, with around four to six senators expressing support for the proposed timeline.
“It looks like we are going to wait for one week to organize ourselves as a Senate, including the committees, etc., and the House of Representatives as well. And then the week after, we can convene the impeachment court and have the defense and the prosecution present their cases,” Villanueva said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
New Senator-Judges to Take Oath
Seven newly elected senators are expected to be sworn in as senator-judges on the same day the trial begins. The incoming senator-judges are:
Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV
Erwin Tulfo
Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
Rodante Marcoleta
Panfilo “Ping” Lacson
Tito Sotto III
Camille Villar
They will join incumbent senators in presiding over the trial.
Duterte ‘Eager’ to Present Her Defense
Despite a pending petition before the Supreme Court to dismiss the impeachment case, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) says Duterte is ready and willing to face the proceedings.
“The Vice President is ready. She’s been saying that. And she’s eager to be able to present her case or her evidence in the impeachment court so that once and for all, all doubts cast on her will go away,” said Ruth Castelo, OVP spokesperson.
Duterte’s legal team earlier argued that multiple complaints filed against her in the same year violate constitutional protections. Nevertheless, Castelo said the Vice President will abide by the Supreme Court’s decision.
Senate Responds to Supreme Court Request
In a July 15 manifestation ad cautelam, the Senate impeachment court told the Supreme Court it could not yet provide the requested details regarding the status of the three impeachment complaints filed in the House.
The high court had asked for information on whether the complaints were properly endorsed, transmitted, and voted upon. The Senate responded that such details should be obtained from the House of Representatives, which handled the complaints in the initial stages.
Earlier, Escudero said the Senate is committed to moving the trial forward and would not tolerate any “dilatory motions or pleadings,” noting that both the prosecution and defense have had ample time to prepare.
Public Opinion Supports Trial
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 66 percent of Filipinos believe Vice President Duterte should face trial—adding public pressure to the already politically charged proceedings.
