The Philippine House of Representatives voted on May 11 to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, initiating a trial to be held in the Senate, where a recent leadership change has placed her allies in key positions. On the same day, reports confirmed the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa in connection with his role as the country’s former police chief.
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, will now move to the Senate. The 24-member body will act as the court to decide whether to convict her. A conviction, which would require at least 16 votes, would result in her removal from office. The House vote occurred as allies of the vice president secured control of the Senate leadership, giving them oversight of the upcoming trial. This marks the second time the House has voted to impeach Duterte.
In a related development, the ICC issued a warrant for the arrest of Senator dela Rosa. The warrant is connected to an investigation into the anti-drug campaign he oversaw as chief of the Philippine National Police during the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
Following the announcement of the ICC warrant, Senator dela Rosa went to the Senate building, where he was granted protective custody by the institution. He later left the premises. Dela Rosa has publicly commented on the ICC case, describing it as an act of foreign interference.
The events have prompted reactions from various political groups. Supporters of Vice President Duterte have voiced their opposition to the impeachment process. In contrast, activist groups have announced plans for demonstrations to call for political accountability.
The legislative agenda of the Philippine Congress proceeds amid these political developments, with the Senate set to serve as the venue for both the impeachment trial and discussions surrounding the ICC’s jurisdiction and actions. The Philippine government has not yet issued an official statement on how it will proceed with the ICC warrant.
