Power play in the Philippines: What happens next for Sara Duterte?

These days, the halls of power in the Philippines feel less like government offices and more like a stage set for a drama series. The country’s vice president, Sara Duterte, now faces an impeachment trial in the Senate—one that could reshape her future or end her political career. The trial isn’t just about legal charges; it’s a clash between two powerful families who once ran the country together but now stand as bitter rivals. The impeachment centers on accusations of fund misuse and unexplained wealth. Duterte denies any wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated. If convicted, she could face a ban from public office, which would effectively destroy her chances of running for president in 2028. Her biggest supporter, Senator Bato dela Rosa, recently made a dramatic return after months in hiding—just in time to help secure a Senate president loyal to Duterte. This move shifted the balance in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is needed for conviction. With the deck now stacked against her, the trial could turn into a tough fight for Duterte.Meanwhile, the country’s president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. , has kept his distance from the impeachment. He claims it’s purely a legislative matter, not his concern. Yet this separation only highlights the growing rift between him and Duterte. Their once-united political front has crumbled, leaving behind a trail of legal battles and public feuds. Duterte’s father, the former president, is already facing charges at the International Criminal Court for his deadly drug war. Now, Dela Rosa—once the architect of that crackdown—has returned from hiding, adding another layer of tension to the scene. Dela Rosa’s sudden reappearance didn’t come quietly. His time on the run ended with a dramatic escape from the Senate, complete with gunfire and chaos. Now, the government wants him arrested again. He claims he’s innocent and has even asked the Supreme Court to block his arrest, arguing foreign courts have no power over him. The government disagrees. With both sides digging in, the legal battle is far from over. The impeachment trial itself remains in limbo. No start date has been set, but when it does begin, it will unfold in a Senate now controlled by Duterte’s allies. The outcome could either weaken her position or turn her into a victim of political persecution. Either way, the trial will test the limits of power in the Philippines—and whether loyalty or law wins in the end.