Lead counsel Sheila Sison demanded fairness and justice during the opening statement of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial in June 2026 [1].
The proceedings mark a critical legal challenge for the Vice President, as the outcome could determine her ability to remain in office and influence the political landscape of the Philippines.
Sison delivered the statement at the Senate of the Philippines, which has convened as an impeachment court [2]. The defense seeks to protect the Vice President against four impeachment articles [3]. Sison said the trial must ensure due process and balanced accountability to reach a just conclusion.
To build their case, the House prosecution panel has enlisted 10 private lawyers [4]. This legal team will argue the merits of the four articles filed against the Vice President [3].
The defense team has previously sought the dismissal of the case, arguing that the charges lack sufficient merit. Sison said the court must remain impartial despite the high-profile nature of the trial, a necessity for maintaining the integrity of the legislative process.
As the trial progresses, the Senate will evaluate the evidence presented by both the prosecution's expanded legal team and the defense. The proceedings focus on whether the actions of the Vice President constitute impeachable offenses under the law. Sison said the defense is prepared to refute each article through a rigorous examination of the facts.
“Sheila Sison demanded fairness and justice during the opening statement.”
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte represents a significant test of the Philippine Senate's judicial function. By enlisting a large team of private lawyers, the prosecution signals an intent to pursue a complex legal strategy, while the defense's focus on 'fairness' suggests a strategy centered on procedural integrity and the potential for political motivation behind the charges.
