Senate Holds Key to Duterte Impeachment Trial

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues to dominate headlines in the Philippines. On Wednesday, House prosecution member Representative Gerville Luistro addressed the media in a press briefing, stating, "The ball now is in the hands of the Senate." The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, voted to return the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives after a vote of 18 affirmative, 5 negative, and 0 abstentions. Luistro explained that the House is seeking clarifications before complying with the Senate's order. The impeachment complaint, filed on February 5th, lists accusations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. The situation remains fluid, with the Senate now holding the ultimate decision on the Vice President's fate. The House's request for clarification suggests a potential for further developments in this high-stakes political drama.