Philippine Senate launches impeachment trial of Sara Duterte

More than 6,000 police officers were deployed around the Philippines' Senate on Monday as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte got underway, with protests by both supporters and detractors taking place near the building.

The trial, which will reportedly last for 92 days, comes against the background of a growing feud between the two most influential political dynasties in the Philippines, the Dutertes and the Marcoses.

It marks the first time a vice president of the Philippines has faced a Senate impeachment court.

Last month, the House of Representatives, dominated by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., voted overwhelmingly to impeach the vice president.

Duterte, 48, is accused of misusing state funds and amassing unexplained wealth.

She also faces allegations linked to public threats made against Marcos, his wife and a key political ally.

The accusation are based on statements Duterte made during a livestream in November 2024, when she suggested that someone should kill President Marcos if she herself were assassinated.

During Monday's opening session, prosecutors focused primarily on the corruption allegations.

"If ordinary Filipinos are held to account, why not the most powerful government official? That is why the trial is important" said Congresswomen Gerville Luistro, presenting the prosecution's opening argument.

Duterte has denied all wrongdoing. She did not appear in the Senate on Monday, but her defense lawyer argued that the impeachment case was politically motivated.