VP Duterte confident in impeachment case as trial nears

Vice President Sara Duterte and her legal team express strong confidence in winning her impeachment case, with trial anticipated to begin in mid-July in the Senate.

Atty. Neri Colmenares, chairman of Bayan Muna, considers the impeachment complaint "very strong," citing "betrayal of public trust" related to Duterte's alleged malversation of confidential funds.

Malacañang, through Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, stated they have no involvement in the impeachment trial and will let Duterte's legal strategy unfold, adding that "If that's their strategy, then let's just let them be."

Duterte confirmed meeting with her lawyers after returning from the Netherlands to discuss preparations for the impending trial.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with the complaint alleging betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

In response, Duterte has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, asserting that the House committed grave abuse of discretion by violating the one-year ban on impeachment complaints.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has maintained that he has no hand in the impeachment trial and stated that once the complaint was filed, the process must run its course.

Senate President Francis Escudero anticipates the verdict will be announced around October 2025.