THE Senate impeachment court has officially summoned Vice President Sara Duterte to be present at the formal opening of her impeachment trial scheduled for Monday, July 6.
In a notice dated July 2, she was directed to comply with Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials, as well as the writ of summons first issued against her last May 19. The notice explicitly states that she may appear either in person or through her legal representatives at the proceedings.
“You are hereby notified that trial will commence on the 6th day of July at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and are further directed to appear on said date, in person or through counsel, before the Impeachment Court at the Session Hall of the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City,” the document reads. The initial schedule sets hearings every Monday to Wednesday at 2:00 PM, and this arrangement will remain in effect until President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27. After the SONA, proceedings will shift to Tuesdays through Thursdays at the same time.
In preparation for the proceedings, the Senate is currently holding an all‑member caucus bringing together senators from both the majority and minority blocs. The closed‑door meeting is expected to finalize details regarding the trial rules, order of presentation, and other logistical matters to ensure the process moves forward smoothly and in accordance with established guidelines.
Vice President Duterte faces multiple impeachment charges, including culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes. This marks the second time she has been impeached by the House of Representatives, with the case now proceeding to the Senate, which acts as the sole tribunal for impeachment trials under the 1987 Constitution.
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