MANILA—The Philippine Senate on Wednesday continued the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings focused on evidentiary issues as prosecutors and defense lawyers argued over requests for additional records and the admissibility of documentary evidence in one of the country's most consequential political cases.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, resumed hearings after opening the trial earlier this month on articles of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives. Duterte has denied all allegations against her, while her legal team has maintained that the proceedings are politically motivated and lack sufficient legal basis.
According to the House prosecution panel, the latest session included arguments related to subpoenas for financial and tax records as prosecutors sought to advance their case under one of the articles of impeachment. Defense lawyers opposed parts of those requests and continued to challenge aspects of the prosecution's evidence and procedures.
The prosecution has argued that the trial concerns Duterte's fitness to continue serving as vice president, while emphasizing that its evidence should be evaluated by the impeachment court. Former lawmaker Robert Ace Barbers, a spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, said earlier this week that prosecutors were moving beyond establishing the authenticity of evidence and toward demonstrating whether Duterte remained fit for office.
Duterte has consistently rejected the accusations, describing the impeachment case as political persecution. Her defense has urged the senator-judges to dismiss what it characterizes as unsupported allegations and to uphold due process throughout the proceedings.
The impeachment trial follows months of escalating political tensions between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose alliance in the 2022 national election has since fractured. The House approved articles of impeachment alleging, among other matters, misuse of public funds, corruption-related offenses and threats against President Marcos and other officials. Duterte denies wrongdoing.
Under the Philippine Constitution, conviction requires the votes of at least two-thirds of the Senate. If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and could be disqualified from holding public office in the future.
The impeachment court adjourned after Wednesday's proceedings and is scheduled to continue hearing arguments and witness testimony as the trial moves forward in the coming sessions, according to Senate and prosecution officials.
