Filipino lawyer, businessman and politician; Speaker of the House (2022–2025)
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has begun in Manila. Police have deployed around the Senate as pro- and anti-Duterte demonstrators gather. Duterte denies wrongdoing and has appeared via counsel, with the outcome potentially barring her from future office and shaping the 2028 race.
The State of the Nation Address has highlighted tax relief and energy subsidies while signaling ongoing anti-graft efforts. Markets have slipped as concerns about accountability persist, making a rapid revival uncertain.
Duterte has a warrant for three counts of grave threats issued by a Quezon City court as part of an impeachment context; bail is set at 120,000 pesos ($1,900) per count. Her lawyers say she will not evade the law and will seek legal remedies amid ongoing impeachment proceedings that could affect her 2028 presidency bid.