Senators split on VP Sara impeachment trial timing

Senators are divided on the timing of an impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte, with some proposing an August 4, 2025 start date after the 2025 Congress convenes.

This proposed timeline would allow the House of Representatives and the Senate to organize themselves, with four to six senators reportedly agreeing with the plan.

However, other senators and a partylist lawmaker argue that the trial should proceed "forthwith" upon receipt of the complaint and without delay.

The impeachment complaint against the Vice President stems from the alleged illegal use of P612.5-million in confidential and intelligence funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

The Senate plans to discuss and vote on the proposed date in plenary.

The House prosecution panel confirmed its readiness to present the articles of impeachment, which were transmitted to the Senate in February 2025.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Council and an activist group, August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), have urged senators to begin the impeachment trial without delay, with ATOM expressing concern that the Senate may use a Supreme Court directive to further delay the trial.

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that there is no impediment to the impeachment and that the Senate's mandate is to try and decide the case, not to entertain motions to dismiss, citing past impeachment proceedings as precedent.