Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s legal team is framing her upcoming impeachment trial as a move to block her potential 2028 presidential bid, characterizing the proceedings as political persecution rather than a legal process. Both the defense and the prosecution are currently positioning their narratives for the trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 6 following the completion of exhibit marking on June 25.
Why the defense is challenging the proceedings
The Vice President’s legal team has officially filed an answer to the articles of impeachment, arguing that the entire process is “void” and “attended by bad faith.” According to Hansley A. Juliano, a political science instructor at Ateneo de Manila University, this strategy aims to cultivate a “trial by absentia” narrative. Juliano notes that by rejecting the legitimacy of the proceedings, the Duterte camp hopes to discourage public engagement with the trial and reinforce claims that Mindanao is being politically marginalized. Amr Solon S. Sison, a political science instructor at Far Eastern University, adds that this approach is designed to pressure the Senate and the House of Representatives by aligning public sentiment with the next electoral cycle.
The role of public opinion and the “smoking gun”
Public messaging has become a central battleground for both camps. While an OCTA Research survey from June indicated that 74% of Filipinos support the impeachment trial, opposition remains concentrated in Mindanao at 41%. The prosecution’s inclusion of “Mary Grace Piattos” in its witness list has further intensified the debate. House prosecutor and Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon has identified the witness as the “smoking gun” regarding allegations of confidential fund misuse. Sison suggests this move forces the defense to disprove claims involving fictitious entities, while Juliano views the inclusion as a tactical exercise in gathering partisan support.
What may happen next
As the July 6 start date nears, the court is expected to issue a pre-trial order. Defense spokesman Michael T. Poa has previously stated that the Vice President would appear personally during the trial if necessary, though he did not respond to recent requests for comment. Meanwhile, House prosecution spokesman and Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong has criticized the defense’s stance, stating that labeling the proceedings as void suggests an unwillingness to address the four articles of impeachment: misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. The Vice President has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
