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Senate Launches Duterte Impeachment as ICC-Wanted Senator Votes

5/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Senate opened Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial after International Criminal Court (ICC)-wanted Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa returned to cast the decisive vote.
The trial could bar Duterte from office and gives her ten days to answer accusations of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Senate, some demanding Duterte’s conviction.

History

Historical Context

After the 2000 impeachment of President Joseph Estrada—triggered by 115 House members and halted by an 11-10 Senate vote that sparked the EDSA II protests of January 2001—the Senate later completed the removal of Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012. That precedent frames Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2025 impeachment, where Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s decisive vote echoes the earlier People Power shift.

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Story summary

Senate opened Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial after International Criminal Court (ICC)-wanted Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa returned to cast the decisive vote.
The trial could bar Duterte from office and gives her ten days to answer accusations of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Senate, some demanding Duterte’s conviction.

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