Things just got intense in the Philippines! 🇵🇭 On Monday, May 18, the Philippine Senate officially transformed into an impeachment court to begin the high-stakes trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano led the session, which saw 23 senators in attendance. Interestingly, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former chief of the Philippine National Police, was notably absent from the plenary. 🏛️
So, what's the tea? ☕
This all started on May 11, when the House of Representatives secured enough votes to impeach the Vice President. By May 13, the official articles of impeachment were delivered to the Senate. The charges are heavy, including allegations of corruption, assassination plots, inciting sedition, and patterns of abuse. 😱
Why this is a huge deal:
Sara Duterte—the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte—didn't hold back her ambitions, announcing her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election back in February. However, this trial could change everything. If more than two-thirds of the senators vote for conviction, she won't just be removed from her current role—she'll be barred from holding any public office for the rest of her life. 🚫⚖️
The world is watching to see how this legal showdown unfolds and what it means for the future of Philippine politics. Stay tuned! ✨
Reference(s):
Philippine Senate convenes as impeachment court to try VP Sara Duterte
cgtn.com
