The Philippine Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday, July 6, 2026, to begin the historic impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The proceedings mark the first time a sitting Philippine vice president has faced an impeachment trial, making it a significant constitutional and political event.The trial, scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., follows impeachment charges that include allegations of corruption, constitutional violations, and betrayal of public trust.

According to the Senate's planned proceedings, the opening day will focus mainly on procedural matters, including the formal appearance of the House prosecution panel and Duterte's legal defence team, the administration of rules governing the trial, and the scheduling of evidence presentation and witnesses.No witness testimony is expected during the first day.

A conviction would require the support of at least two-thirds of the senator-judges and would result in Vice President Duterte's removal from office, with the possibility of permanent disqualification from holding any future public office.

Ahead of the trial, police officers and anti-riot units were deployed around the Senate complex in Pasay City to maintain peace and order, while security preparations were intensified along Diokno Boulevard.Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated that the Senate is prepared for all possible scenarios.

The live coverage also referenced related reports explaining the impeachment process and discussing the political implications of the trial, which is expected to continue for several weeks as both sides present their arguments and evidence.