MANILA, Philippines β The House prosecution panel and the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte held their first pretrial conference on Thursday, June 18, 2026, moving closer to the scheduled start of her impeachment trial on July 6. The meeting was marked by heated arguments and disputes over procedural matters, according to multiple sources.
The pretrial conference, which took place at the Senate, aimed to discuss the timeline and rules for the trial. Both sides presented their preliminary positions, with the prosecution seeking a swift process and the defense requesting more time to prepare. The Senate, acting as the impeachment court, is expected to issue a ruling on these procedural issues before the trial begins.
Vice President Duterte faces impeachment over allegations of corruption and betrayal of public trust, stemming from her use of confidential funds when she was education secretary. The House of Representatives voted to impeach her in December 2025, transmitting the articles to the Senate in early 2026.
The trial is set to commence on July 6, 2026, with the Senate President pro tempore presiding. Both panels have been instructed to submit their respective witness lists and evidence by June 25. The defense has indicated it may file motions to dismiss the charges, while the prosecution has vowed to present a strong case.
