The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered its third day on July 8, 2026, with the House prosecution panel continuing to present witnesses and evidence against her.The Articles of Impeachment allege that Duterte made grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Duterte's legal team, led by lawyer Israelito Torreon, filed a 16-page motion with the Supreme Court to halt the trial, questioning the authority of Senator Francis Escudero to preside over the proceedings.

This challenge echoes earlier objections from Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, who argued that Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian should lead the trial.Prosecutors called NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung to authenticate digital evidence, but the defense repeatedly objected to his testimony.The prosecution also plans to call Duterte as a hostile witness during the presentation of Article IV.Despite her presence at the Senate hours before the trial, Duterte did not appear before the impeachment court.The court is expected to hear more testimonies, resolve objections, and receive additional evidence as the prosecution continues its case.