The Philippine Senate officially transitioned into an impeachment court this Monday, marking the start of a high-stakes constitutional process against Vice President Sara Duterte. Led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, the chamber swore in its members as senator-judges to preside over the proceedings. Notably, Senator Ronald dela Rosa was absent from the session, having reportedly gone into hiding, while the rest of the body prepared to deliberate on serious allegations that have roiled the current administration.

This marks the second consecutive year that Duterte has faced impeachment, with the current charges including the misuse of confidential funds, bribery, corruption, and claims of destabilization against the Marcos Jr. government. If a two-thirds majority of the senators votes for conviction, Duterte would face immediate removal from office and a lifetime ban on holding public positions, effectively ending her 2028 presidential aspirations. As the trial unfolds inside the chamber, activists gathered outside the Senate to demand accountability, underscoring the deep political divisions surrounding the case.