Duterte Impeachment Trial to Begin: Senate Minority Files Motion

The Philippine Senate is poised to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Senators Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel, representing the Senate minority, will file a motion on Monday, June 9, 2025, to formally commence the proceedings. "We in the Senate minority will formally move to commence the opening rights in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte," Senator Hontiveros stated in a press conference. The motion seeks to establish the Senate as an impeachment court, with Senate President Francis Escudero presiding and swearing in senators as judges. This follows the articles of impeachment received from the House of Representatives last February. The move signals a significant development in the ongoing political situation and underscores the gravity of the allegations against the Vice President.