MANILA — The Philippine Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, 2026, to try Vice President Sara Duterte over charges of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.

23 senators attended the plenary session wearing maroon robes as they took their oath as senator-judges days after receiving the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives. Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa was absent from the proceedings. 

Senator Camille Villar, the youngest member of the chamber, administered the oath to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano as presiding officer of the impeachment court. Cayetano subsequently swore in the 22 other senators present as judges.

Unlike the previous year's transmittal of the impeachment articles, the convening proceeded without lengthy debates, as senators exchanged their legislative attire for judicial robes after acting Majority Leader Joel Villanueva moved to refer the complaint to the impeachment court. 

The impeachment court ordered the Vice President to file her response to the Articles of Impeachment within 10 calendar days from receipt of the summons.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11 through a 257-25 vote, with the Articles of Impeachment transmitted to the Senate on May 13. The charges stem from allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, and a public statement perceived as a threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Vice President has denied the accusations.

This marks the second time in two years that the Senate has convened as an impeachment court against the Vice President. The first impeachment proceedings in 2025, then under Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, did not reach trial before the 19th Congress adjourned.

If convicted by a two-thirds vote of the Senate, Duterte will be removed from office and barred from holding public office for life. She announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election in February 2026.