Vice President Sara Duterte has declared her readiness for the outcome of her impending impeachment trial at the Senate, whether it leads to a guilty verdict or an acquittal.
“Ang isyu ko lang naman ay ang impeachment. So sinasabi ko na nga na ‘yung impeachment naman, kahit anong mangyari diyan—guilty or acquittal—handa na ako sa kung anong mangyari,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City after casting her vote for the 2025 national and local elections.
The Vice President was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint that accuses her of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
Despite the looming trial, Duterte emphasized that her legal team is handling all preparations, with her involvement limited to providing direction and guidance. “Ina-update lang nila ako sa mga challenges na nai-encounter nila sa kanilang paghahanda… I point them to the right direction kung saan kukunin ‘yung mga documents for preparations para sa impeachment trial,” she said.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has set the initial timeline for the impeachment trial, which is expected to begin on July 30. The Articles of Impeachment will be presented on June 2, coinciding with the resumption of the Senate session. Senator-judges are scheduled to take their oaths the following day.
In a legal maneuver, Duterte has filed a petition before the Supreme Court, seeking a temporary restraining order and challenging the House’s decision to proceed with the impeachment. She argued that the House violated the constitutionally mandated one-year ban by acting on the fourth complaint despite the previous three being unresolved.
