The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is scheduled to begin on July 6, marking one of the most significant political events in the country in recent years.

Senate proceedings are expected to run for several months, with prosecutors and the defence presenting evidence and witnesses before the senator-judges.

Duterte faces multiple impeachment charges, including alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery of government officials, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The prosecution will initially focus on the alleged death threat, calling officials from the National Bureau of Investigation and House security as its first witnesses.Overall, the prosecution has identified 57 witnesses, while the defence plans to present 96.

Several procedural issues remain unresolved, including the handling of Duterte's tax records, the participation of private prosecutors in witness examinations, and the number of senator votes required for conviction, with legal opinions differing due to the absence or legal troubles of several senators.

If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently disqualified from holding any future government position, effectively ending her announced plan to run for president in 2028.

Her legal team continues to challenge the validity of the impeachment proceedings and has asked the Senate to dismiss the case, while prosecutors insist that a full trial is constitutionally required.

The proceedings are expected to attract nationwide attention because of their potential impact on the country's political landscape and the continuing rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte political families.