Senator-Elect Ready for Impeachment Trial
Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta declared his readiness for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is set to begin on July 30. However, he emphasized the need to first debate whether the impeachment process should proceed, citing flaws in the complaint’s foundation.
“Preparado ako talaga…Pag-debatehan muna natin kung talagang kinakailangan matuloy o hindi,” Marcoleta stated. (I am prepared…We have to debate first whether it should push through or not.)
As an ally of the Dutertes and an outgoing congressman involved in the House probe into the vice president’s confidential funds, Marcoleta criticized the complaint’s basis and process. “Nakita ko kasi kung paano nila inilatag. Mali ang batayan, mali ang proseso,” he said. (I saw how the proponents prepared the complaint. The basis was wrong. The process was wrong.) He did not provide further details.
Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte: Senate Role and Vote Threshold
Marcoleta will serve as one of the 24 senator-judges during the impeachment trial. The Commission on Elections officially proclaimed him as one of the 12 winning senatorial candidates in the 2025 midterm elections. To convict the vice president, 16 votes or two-thirds of the senator-judges are required, while nine votes will acquit her.
Senator Bong Go Prepares for Trial
Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed his willingness to participate in the impeachment trial while awaiting presentation of evidence by both sides. “Being part of the 19th Congress and being part of the 20th Congress, I’m willing to participate. Ang importante dito katotohanan. Kung walang ebidensya, wala (What is important here is the truth. If there is no evidence, then you cannot convict someone),” Go said.
As the top vote-getter in the senatorial race with over 27 million votes, Go is also considered a strong Duterte ally.
Timeline and Legal Challenges Ahead
Senate President Francis Escudero released a tentative schedule for the impeachment trial, with the case expected to start on July 30. The Articles of Impeachment will be presented on June 2 or when sessions resume, followed by the official convening of the impeachment court the next day.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with more than 200 lawmakers supporting the complaint. Although the Articles of Impeachment reached the Senate the same day, the chamber adjourned without addressing the case.
Supreme Court Petitions and Legal Disputes
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte filed a petition with the Supreme Court questioning the validity of the impeachment complaint. Various lawyers and groups from Mindanao have also asked the court to halt the trial, arguing the complaint is defective.
Separately, lawyer Catalino Generillo Jr. filed a petition urging the Senate to convene immediately as an impeachment court.
For more updates on impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, visit Filipinokami.com.