The Senate is set to formally begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6, 2026, marking the start of a constitutional process that will determine whether she will remain in office.Senators will convene as an impeachment court at 2 p.m., with the Vice President ordered to appear either personally or through her legal counsel after a summons was issued.

During the opening session, the House prosecution panel is expected to formally present the Articles of Impeachment, while Duterte's legal team will enter its appearance before the court.

The Senate is also expected to adopt procedural rules, establish the trial timetable, and set deadlines for pleadings and the presentation of evidence.

The impeachment complaint includes allegations involving the misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, unexplained wealth, and betrayal of public trust.Duterte has consistently denied the accusations, maintaining that the impeachment case is politically motivated.President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said he believes the Vice President should personally attend the proceedings, noting that direct participation could help make the process clearer.

Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian encouraged the public to closely follow the trial, saying the proceedings would be explained in simple terms to improve public understanding.

The prosecution's first witnesses are expected to include officials from the National Bureau of Investigation and the House of Representatives who will testify regarding allegations involving an alleged grave threat and assassination plot against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

To maintain security throughout the proceedings, the Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office will deploy more than 6,000 police officers around the Senate complex.