Key facts
- Vice President Sara Duterte is undergoing an impeachment trial.
- Analysts suggest the trial's length could benefit her 2028 presidential bid.
- Multiple impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte in early 2025.
- The Supreme Court previously declared Articles of Impeachment unconstitutional.
- The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte in May 2026.
- Testimony on August 3, 2026, focused on the use and liquidation of confidential funds.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is continuing, with analysts suggesting the protracted process could inadvertently aid her 2028 presidential ambitions. Multiple impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte in early 2025, alleging betrayal of public trust, misuse of confidential funds, and dereliction of duty. While the Supreme Court declared the initial Articles of Impeachment unconstitutional in July 2025, further complaints were filed, leading to the House of Representatives voting to impeach Duterte in May 2026.
On August 3, 2026, the trial entered its 11th day, with former state auditor Roderick Wamil testifying. Wamil stated that the Office of the Vice President's liquidation of confidential funds was considered 'irregular expenditure' and that certain disbursements lacked proper documentation. He also noted that a disbursement voucher bearing Duterte's signature was non-compliant with guidelines for confidential fund usage. The prosecution aims to present evidence of alleged misuse of P612 million in confidential funds.
Duterte herself announced her intention to run for president in 2028, framing the investigations as politically motivated attempts to damage her reputation. The ongoing trial and its procedural complexities, including questions about evidence and witness testimonies, are being closely watched for their potential impact on her political future.