The Senate’s impeachment court has adjourned, marking the end of the first day of Vice-President Sara Duterte’s historic trial; According to BBC, she is accused of misusing millions of dollars in government funds and threatening to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated. If found guilty, she will be removed from her post and banned for life from public office. According to BBC, she will be impeached if at least 16 out of 24 senators vote to convict her.

Political Tensions and Arrests

The trial takes place after weeks of heightened political tension between supporters of Sara Duterte and President Marcos. According to BBC, hours before the trial, authorities arrested a senator, who is a Duterte ally, to face a plunder charge. Authorities have been on high alert for protests, and the trial, livestreamed on social media, has gripped the nation. According to BBC, senators have set a maximum duration of 92 days for the trial.

Role in 2022 Election

Rep. Paolo Duterte said President Marcos won in the 2022 presidential race because of his running mate, Sara Duterte. According to GMA Network (deu), “Without Sara Duterte, you would not have won by the margin that you did,” he said. Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte added that history will show that the victory was built on the trust and support commanded by Sara Duterte. Malacañang responded that the 2022 victory could not be attributed solely to Sara Duterte, as both ran under the UniTeam banner, campaigning for unity. According to GMA Network (deu), Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said, “They are UniTeam. You can’t say it’s just because of President Marcos Jr. or just because of the Vice President.”

Walkout and Protests

Less than 10 minutes after the session began, Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte and others exited the plenary hall ahead of the scheduled voting. According to GMA Network (spa), when asked if the move was a form of protest, Paolo Duterte said, “Eh, ano’ng gagawin ko doon?” (What will I do there?). Omar Duterte was also asked by GMA News if he was staging a walkout. “I’m walking inside the car,” he said. The House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on whether to adopt the Justice Committee report and formally impeach Vice President Sara Duterte following the committee’s unanimous 55-0 vote on May 4, finding probable cause and approving the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President. According to GMA Network (spa), Paolo Duterte submitted a manifestation addressed to House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Garafil, formally expressing his “no” vote on the adoption of Committee Report 261. The report recommends the approval of House Resolution 989, titled “Resolution Setting Forth the Articles of Impeachment Against Vice President Sara Z.”