MAY 3, 2026 — Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team has confirmed it will fully participate in a possible Senate impeachment trial, even as it continues to challenge the legality of the House proceedings before the Supreme Court. The defense insists it is prepared for all scenarios, while Duterte’s personal attendance will depend on necessity.

The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has made it clear: if the House of Representatives transmits the Articles of Impeachment, her defense team will be present in the Senate. Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesperson for Duterte’s 16-member legal team, stressed in a dzBB interview that the Senate trial is a “real trial” where both prosecutors and defense will face off. 

“As for the Senate, we will definitely participate — the defense team,” Poa said.

Poa clarified that Duterte herself may not attend every hearing. Her presence will depend on whether the proceedings require her direct involvement, similar to the precedent set during the 2012 impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. 

“She will not be present in all the proceedings,” Poa explained.

House vote sets stage

On April 29, the House Committee on Justice unanimously found probable cause in the impeachment complaints against Duterte, citing allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials. Lawmakers are now preparing for a plenary vote, with supporters aiming for as many as 215 votes — well above the constitutional threshold of 106 needed to elevate the case to the Senate.

Despite readiness for trial, Duterte’s camp continues to contest the House process. Poa emphasized that filing a petition before the Supreme Court is part of their duty to uphold constitutional rights. 

“It is the right of every Filipino — if you see a violation, a transgression against your fundamental constitutional rights, such as the right to due process — we should ask the court to rule on whether what the House is doing is right,” he said.

The defense also criticized the House panel for failing to provide documents before hearings, arguing this limited their ability to respond effectively.

Senate preparations

The Senate has already begun internal discussions. Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that if the House transmits the Articles of Impeachment by May 11, the chamber could convene as an impeachment court by May 13. Funds from the 2025 budget, amounting to at least ₱26 million, are available to support the proceedings.

The looming trial is more than just a legal battle — it is a political moment that could reshape the country’s leadership dynamics. 

Will this Senate trial bring real accountability, or just tear the country further apart?

(Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook)