Philippines prepares for vice president Sara Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine National Police said on Friday it will deploy around 6,000 police officers to secure the Senate and surrounding areas in the country's capital, Manila.

As the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is set to begin on Monday, the police said they will stay alert and ensure that the proceedings are conducted safely and peacefully.

In Pasay City in Metro Manila, where the Senate complex is located, some roads will temporarily be closed starting on Monday, according to local media reports on Friday.

The Senate impeachment court on Thursday directed the vice president to appear before it, either in person or through counsel.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Thursday said it received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for calendar year 2025. According to COA's 2025 Report, the OVP's financial statements were fairly presented and complied with applicable financial reporting standards. However, the audit opinion is separate from the impeachment proceedings.

Sara, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, announced her candidacy for the 2028 Philippine presidential election in February this year. If more than two-thirds of senators vote in favor of the impeachment, she will be convicted, removed from office, and barred from holding public office for life. Enditem