Philippine Senate opens impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte
9 reported
The Philippine Senate, acting as an impeachment court, opened the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday amid her feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. More than 6,000 police officers were deployed to secure the Senate, where about 400 anti-Duterte demonstrators gathered. Duterte did not appear but was represented by her lawyers at the start of the trial, which is scheduled to run for 92 days. If convicted of charges including amassing unexplained wealth and publicly threatening to have Marcos assassinated, she may be permanently disqualified from holding public office. Duterte denies the charges. The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos’ allies, voted overwhelmingly last month to impeach her. Two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, or 16 votes, are needed to convict.
What’s reported
The Philippine Senate opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday.
More than 6,000 police officers were deployed to secure the Senate.
About 400 anti-Duterte demonstrators gathered, chanting “Convict Sara now.”
Duterte did not appear but was represented by her lawyers.
The trial will run for 92 days, according to a pretrial plan.
Charges include amassing unexplained wealth and publicly threatening to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated.
If convicted, Duterte may be permanently disqualified from holding public office.
Two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, or 16 votes, are needed to convict.
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly last month to impeach Duterte.
Key figures
Vice President Sara Duterte
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Rep. Gerville Luistro (leads the prosecution team)
Sheila Sison (head of the vice president's legal defense)
Former President Rodrigo Duterte
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa
Sources: abcnews.com
