Duterte VP ready for impeachment despite calls for 'bloodbath'

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness for an impeachment trial despite efforts by her legal team to prevent it, but House prosecutors dismissed her calls for a 'bloodbath' as out of place in what should be a 'truth-seeking' proceeding.

Duterte told reporters in Davao City on Saturday that she wants a 'bloodbath' during the trial and is looking forward to proceedings beginning on July 30, while Senate President Chiz Escudero scheduled the trial to commence in the upcoming 20th Congress.

House prosecutors Rep. Leila De Lima and Lorenz Defensor emphasized that evidence should determine the outcome of the trial rather than chaos or theatrics, with De Lima warning any disruption could face legal consequences.

Duterte assured that regardless of the outcome, she remains at peace and has no expectations of acquittal or conviction, while De Lima said prosecutors have no reason to lose heart in fulfilling their duty to hold Duterte accountable.

The May 12 midterm elections resulted in an uncertain Senate composition for Duterte's political future, with only six out of twelve new senators expected to support her, leaving the outcome of the trial uncertain.