VP Sara challenges impeachment charges ahead of Senate trial
Duterte's defense argues the impeachment case is legally deficient, unsupported by credible evidence
Published Jun 16, 2026 05:46 pm
At A Glance
- VP Sara Duterte submitted her pre-trial brief to the Senate, denying all four articles of impeachment and arguing that the charges lack credible evidence.
- The defense plans to counter allegations of fund misuse and undisclosed wealth by presenting extensive documentary evidence and witnesses from agencies such as the COA, DOJ, and DepEd.
- Following the submission of pre-trial briefs, preparations are accelerating for the pre-trial conference on June 18, with the formal Senate trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team has formally challenged the impeachment charges ahead of her Senate trial, calling the case legally deficient and politically motivated. (Manila Bulletin / file)
Vice President Sara Duterte has formally challenged the impeachment case filed against her, submitting a pre-trial brief before the Senate in which she strongly denied all allegations and argued that the proceedings are legally flawed, politically motivated, and unsupported by credible evidence.
In the alleged copy of the pre-trial brief obtained by reporters on Tuesday, June 16, Duterte's camp described the impeachment proceedings as an abuse of constitutional mechanisms, asserting that the charges fail to establish impeachable offenses under Philippine law.
The filing, submitted through her legal counsel on June 15, marks a significant development in the impeachment process and sets the stage for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched political and legal battles in recent Philippine history.
“We will refrain from discussing the substance of the filing at this time, out of respect for the ongoing proceedings and in accordance with Rule XVIII of the Senate Rules on Impeachment,” Defense Team Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said on June 15.
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Four articles of impeachment contested
The impeachment case stems from four consolidated complaints accusing Duterte of various offenses, including the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, violations involving Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), bribery, corruption, and controversial public statements directed at top government officials.
According to the Articles of Impeachment, the Vice President allegedly improperly liquidated confidential funds during her tenure at both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
She is also accused of failing to fully disclose assets and business interests, and of making threats against senior government leaders.
Defense rejects allegations
Duterte's legal team dismissed the accusations as baseless, arguing that the complaints rely on speculation, assumptions, and political narratives rather than competent and admissible evidence.
The defense maintained that the prosecutors failed to establish sufficient factual grounds to support the charges.
It also argued that some allegations concern periods when Duterte was not occupying an impeachable office, raising questions about their relevance to the proceedings.
Additionally, Duterte’s lawyers questioned the admissibility and constitutional validity of evidence gathered during House committee hearings—signaling that procedural and evidentiary issues may become major points of contention during the trial.
Witnesses and evidence prepared
To counter the allegations, Duterte's camp plans to present a broad roster of witnesses from several government agencies, including the Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
The defense also intends to introduce extensive documentary evidence, including financial records, audit reports, official communications, certifications, and other materials aimed at disproving the prosecution's claims.
Key legal questions
Among the major issues identified by the defense are whether the House impeachment proceedings complied with constitutional requirements, whether evidence obtained during congressional investigations should be admitted, and whether the Articles of Impeachment sufficiently allege offenses warranting removal from office.
The defense emphasized that the burden remains on the prosecution to prove every allegation through competent, credible, and admissible evidence.
Political context
The impeachment proceedings come amid heightened political tensions involving the Vice President and several administration allies.
Earlier this month, Duterte raised concerns over what she described as threats to democratic institutions and the alleged use of government resources against opposition voices.
"A democracy cannot survive when those in power see every critic as an enemy and every opposing voice as a threat," Duterte said in a video message released by the OVP.
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She also maintained that a healthy democracy requires a strong opposition and independent institutions, while criticizing what she described as politically motivated efforts against her, including the impeachment case currently before the Senate.
With both sides having filed their pre-trial briefs on June 15, preparations for Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial are expected to accelerate ahead of the June 18 pre-trial conference and the scheduled start of the trial proper on July 6.
The filing of the pre-trial briefs is considered a key milestone because it narrows the issues for trial, identifies witnesses and evidence, and enables the impeachment court to finalize procedures before formal hearings begin.
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