VP Sara Duterte Returns as Impeachment Case Moves Forward
SARA DUTERTE – The Vice President returned to the Philippines on Saturday, June 14, after a four-day personal trip to Malaysia with her family. According to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), she arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at around 5:43 a.m. aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 530.
While in Malaysia, Duterte joined overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. She was accompanied by several well-known figures, including Senators Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos, as well as Partido Demokratiko Pilipino officials and former senatorial candidates Jimmy Bondoc, Jayvee Hinlo, and Richard Mata.
During her stay, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms delivered the writ of summons to her, related to the impeachment case she is currently facing. This came after the Senate Impeachment Court decided to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives without dismissing or terminating the charges. Duterte previously shared that her legal team is now preparing their official response to the summons.
The OVP also mentioned that Vice President Duterte is scheduled to attend the 2025 Pasidungog Awarding Ceremony in Davao City on Monday, June 16.
Meanwhile, impeachment is a legal process used to hold high-ranking government officials, like the president or vice president, accountable if they are accused of serious wrongdoing while in office. It begins when formal charges, called Articles of Impeachment, are filed—usually by the House of Representatives. If these charges move forward, a trial is held, often in the Senate, to determine if the official is guilty or not. If found guilty, the official can be removed from office and may also face additional legal consequences. Impeachment ensures that government leaders are held responsible for their actions and obey the law.