Duterte impeachment trial faces uncertainty; seven senators likely to vote acquittal

Partial, unofficial results from the 2025 midterm elections have raised questions about the composition of the Senate ahead of Vice President Sara Duterte's upcoming impeachment trial.

Based on these results and analysis by experts like Prof. Aries Arugay, seven senators are likely to vote to acquit Duterte, requiring her only two more votes to remain in office.

Reelectionist senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, along with independent candidate Rodante Marcoleta, rank among the top contenders supporting Duterte.

Incumbent congressmen Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar, who did not sign the House of Representatives' impeachment complaint, are also leading in the senatorial race.

Villar and Imee Marcos, who were endorsed by both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte at different points during their campaigns, secured spots within the top 12 winners but have uncertain stances on the trial.

Opposition candidates Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, despite their strong performance in unexpected regions like the National Capital Region and Cavite, promised to exercise fairness during the trial.