Key facts
- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte faces an impeachment trial starting Monday.
- Charges include amassing unexplained wealth and publicly threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Duterte denies the charges, alleging political persecution.
- A conviction requires 16 out of 24 Senate votes.
- The trial's outcome could affect Duterte's 2028 presidential bid.
The Philippine Senate, acting as an impeachment court, will open the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday. The politically volatile event unfolds against the backdrop of her feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Over 6,000 police officers have been deployed to secure the Senate, where demonstrators are expected. Duterte or her lawyers can appear at the start of the trial, which is planned to run for 92 days. If convicted of charges including amassing unexplained wealth and threatening Marcos, Duterte could be disqualified from holding public office. She denies the charges, claiming political persecution. A conviction would significantly impact Duterte's announced plan to seek the presidency in 2028. The alliance between Duterte and Marcos, which combined the power of two prominent political dynasties, rapidly deteriorated after their 2022 election victory. The charges are linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths and drew international scrutiny. The vice president has accused Marcos of orchestrating her father's arrest and handover to the ICC. Marcos has strengthened defense ties with the U.S., while his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had cultivated closer relations with China and Russia. Sara Duterte has faced criticism for not condemning China's actions in the South China Sea. Last month, the House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos' allies, voted to impeach Duterte. Her supporters accuse Marcos and his aides of political persecution. Conviction requires 16 out of 24 Senate votes. Several pro-Duterte senators, including Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, are also facing legal challenges.