The Senate impeachment court wrapped up the first week of proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on July 10. Focus centered on Article IV, which alleges she made grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. Testimony from her chief of staff Zuleika Lopez is scheduled for July 13 and 14.
The trial, which began July 6, featured repeated objections from defense lawyers including Carlo Joaquin Narvasa. He raised at least 25 objections on July 7 during cross-examination of National Bureau of Investigation agent John Mark Calilung. The defense maintains the threats were conditional and made in a personal capacity to protect her family.
House prosecutors Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno argued that the threats, made in a November 23, 2024 livestream, constitute an impeachable offense regardless of context. They said Lopez’s upcoming testimony would provide crucial context and corroborate evidence.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urged colleagues to avoid leading questions that could undermine impartiality. Former Senate president Franklin Drilon noted that technical debates over the video’s authenticity have slowed the proceedings. The Senate set the conviction threshold at 16 votes.
