The Senate convened as an impeachment court on July 8, 2026, to formally open the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.This 92-day proceeding marked a historic moment in Philippine politics, with the election of a new presiding officer and opening statements from both prosecution and defense teams.House prosecutors accused Duterte of betraying public trust by allegedly threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and misusing public funds, requesting subpoenas for bank records and tax documents.The defense, led by lawyer Sheila Sison, argued the case aims to remove an elected official, emphasizing due process.Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stressed the importance of fair proceedings, while Francis Escudero was elected presiding officer with 16 votes.The court also addressed pending motions, including the unsealing of a Bureau of Internal Revenue box containing Duterte's tax documents.The trial's progression highlights the political and legal complexities surrounding high-profile impeachment cases in the Philippines.