Sara Duterte must attend her impeachment trial in PH

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte should return to the Philippines once her impeachment trial begins, according to Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong. He expressed this view during a press briefing on March 20, 2025. Duterte is currently in the Netherlands with Senator Robinhood Padilla to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Adiong believes that the Vice President needs to be present in the country for the duration of her trial. Representative Paolo Ortega also shared that lawmakers currently in the Netherlands will need to return to the Philippines soon. The Congress will soon focus on preparing the budget for 2026, making their return essential. Duterte and Padilla play vital roles in the impeachment process. Duterte is the primary person accused, while Padilla will participate as a senator-judge. The impeachment complaint against Duterte was filed on February 5, citing several issues, including the misuse of confidential funds. The articles of impeachment have been sent to the Senate, but the trial has not started yet. The Senate must meet again after the election season to deal with the impeachment case. Senate President Francis Escudero mentioned the trial is expected to start by July 30.