In a dramatic turn of events, Philippine senators on Tuesday voted to send the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives, citing the need to clarify whether constitutional procedures were properly followed.
The decision came just hours after the Senate had opened the high-stakes trial that could potentially end Duterte’s political career. Instead of dismissing the charges outright, lawmakers opted to pause proceedings and return the case for constitutional verification by the newly seated lower chamber following the recent midterm elections.
“This is about neutrality and integrity,” said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a known Duterte ally, who moved to remand the case to the House. “I think we have upheld our oath to be politically neutral.”
The House had voted in February to impeach Duterte on allegations of budget misuse, suspicious wealth accumulation, and posing threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker—charges Duterte has firmly denied. Her camp reiterated on Tuesday that she is prepared to dismantle the accusations. “The impeachment process must never be weaponised to harass, silence, or eliminate political opponents,” her office said in a statement.
While the Senate’s move may temporarily delay the trial, senators confirmed that proceedings remain active. Duterte has been officially summoned and given ten days to respond. A new Congress is expected to reconvene at the end of July, at which point the impeachment may proceed—if lawmakers choose to pursue it.
The standoff has deepened the political rift between Duterte and President Marcos, once allies during their successful 2022 campaign. With Marcos barred from seeking re-election, the clash could shape the nation’s leadership succession and shift the power dynamic within Philippine politics.
If the trial resumes, Duterte will become only the fifth top official in Philippine history to face impeachment, joining a list that includes the late former Chief Justice Renato Corona—the only one to have been convicted.