The Senate of the Philippines has confirmed that it is fully prepared for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is set to commence on Monday, July 6, 2026. According to Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Ret. Maj. Gen. Alfred Corpus, extensive security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth conduct of the proceedings. Various units from the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been mobilized to support the Senate’s security apparatus during the trial. Corpus emphasized that sufficient personnel would be stationed throughout the Senate building, including inside the chambers where the trial will take place. Additionally, members of the public interested in observing the proceedings are encouraged to register via the Senate’s Visitor Management System (VMS). Registration will be available starting at 2 p.m. the day before the trial begins, ensuring that the process is orderly and accessible to those wishing to witness the historic event.
One of the most contentious issues leading up to the trial concerns the handling of the so-called "BIR Green Box," a sealed container containing the tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio. This box was originally submitted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to the House committee on justice during hearings in April 2026. Despite attempts to open it during pre-trial proceedings, the box remained sealed due to legal and procedural disputes. Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, a prominent figure in the Senate, argued that the impeachment court has no authority to retain or handle such evidence. He stated that the responsibility of unsealing the box lies with the prosecution or the defense, not the court itself. Lacson further warned that the Senate could face accusations of grave abuse of discretion if it attempted to decide whether to open the box independently.
Despite the defense team's initial resistance, recent developments indicate a shift in their stance. House prosecutors, including Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima, reported that the defense has agreed in principle to allow the box to be marked as evidence before the Senate impeachment court. However, the defense insists that this process should occur in an executive session, away from public view. De Lima expressed skepticism about the necessity of such secrecy, emphasizing that the prosecution has the right to inspect and catalog the contents of the box. Lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr., the prosecution’s legal spokesperson, viewed this agreement as a positive step toward transparency, noting that it marks a departure from the defense’s previous opposition to even marking the box as evidence.
The issue of the BIR box has become a focal point in the broader context of the impeachment trial. Prosecutors argue that the tax records contained within the box are essential to proving the allegations of unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets accurately. These allegations form the basis of Article II of the articles of impeachment, which accuse Vice President Duterte of acquiring wealth disproportionate to her lawful income. The defense, however, contends that the records in question pertain to periods when Duterte was not an impeachable officer, thus rendering them irrelevant to the current proceedings. Their legal team has consistently maintained that the documents cannot serve as a foundation for any impeachable offense, given the timeline of her tenure in public office.
Another critical aspect of the impending trial is the determination of the presiding officer. As of now, the Senate has not officially designated who will oversee the proceedings once the trial commences. Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato "Rey" Bantug Jr. indicated that the decision would be made on Monday, the day the trial begins. Under the amended Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials, the Senate president, currently Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian, is expected to preside unless a majority of senators opt to select another senator-judge. Some senators, including Raffy Tulfo, have suggested that experienced legal figures such as Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan or Francis "Chiz" Escudero might be suitable candidates for the role. Gatchalian himself has acknowledged the possibility of stepping aside if deemed necessary, stating that the focus should be on ensuring the trial proceeds efficiently and fairly.
The political landscape surrounding the trial is complex, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on the potential outcomes. While the Palace has urged Vice President Duterte to personally attend the trial to demonstrate her innocence, legal experts have highlighted the constitutional requirements for conviction or acquittal. According to the Constitution, a two-thirds vote of the senators who actually sit as judges in the impeachment court is required for a conviction. This means that the number of participating senators could significantly influence the outcome. Legal analysts suggest that the defense’s primary challenge will be securing enough votes to achieve an acquittal, given the gravity of the charges and the public interest in the proceedings.
As the trial approaches, the Senate has continued to prepare meticulously for the proceedings. A walk-through of the Senate building was recently conducted by Senate President Gatchalian to assess the readiness of the venues and facilities. Despite logistical challenges such as space limitations, the Senate has ensured that both the prosecution and defense will have the opportunity to inspect their assigned areas within the coming weeks. Security arrangements have been reinforced, and the overall atmosphere remains tense yet focused on conducting the trial in accordance with established procedures. With the trial set to begin on Monday, all eyes are on the Senate as it prepares to address one of the most significant legal and political moments in recent Philippine history.
8 articles
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 95Objectivité 90hierL'article fait état des préparatifs sécuritaires effectués par le Sénat philippin pour le prochain procès d'impeachment de la vice-présidente Sara Duterte, qui devrait débuter lundi.
Lecture du biais (Centre): L'article présente des informations factuelles sur les dispositions de sécurité pour le procès de destitution sans favoriser ouvertement aucun camp politique. Il se concentre sur les mises à jour procédurales et les détails logistiques plutôt que de prendre position sur les mérites de la destitution elle-même.
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 95 · Objectivité 90): The article accurately reports Lacson's statement about returning the BIR box. It remains objective and presents the facts without taking sides.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 95Objectivité 90avant-hier Le Sénat n'a pas encore désigné le président du procès de Sara Duterte qui s'ouvre lundiLe sénateur Raffy Tulfo a suggéré que les sénateurs Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan ou Francis "Chiz" Escudero pourraient être choisis en raison de leur expertise juridique, tandis que Gatchalian a indiqué qu'il était ouvert à être nommé président si nécessaire.
Lecture du biais (Centre): L'article présente des informations factuelles sur le processus en cours concernant la sélection d'un président pour le procès de destitution de la vice-présidente Sara Duterte.
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 95 · Objectivité 90): The article accurately reports De Lima's statement on the BIR box. It remains objective and presents the facts without taking sides.
RapplerIndépendantCentreFactualité 95Objectivité 90il y a 5 jL'équipe juridique de la vice-présidente Sara Duterte a exprimé sa volonté d'ouvrir une boîte scellée contenant ses dossiers fiscaux devant le comité de justice de la Chambre, mais insiste sur le fait que cela doit se produire lors d'une session exécutive confidentielle.
Lecture du biais (Centre): L'article présente à la fois la position de la défense, mettant l'accent sur la confidentialité et l'irrelevance des dossiers fiscaux passés par rapport aux accusations actuelles, et les contre-arguments de l'accusation mettant en doute la nécessité du secret.
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 95 · Objectivité 90): The article provides detailed and accurate reporting on the defense team's position regarding the BIR box. It remains objective and avoids taking sides in the debate.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 90Objectivité 88il y a 5 j VP OK à BIR ouverture de boîtes à huis clos De LimaEn préparation de la procédure de destitution du Sénat contre la vice-présidente Sara Duterte, les procureurs de la Chambre ont annoncé que l'équipe juridique de Duterte avait accepté de permettre qu'une boîte scellée contenant ses dossiers fiscaux soit marquée comme preuve, bien que la défense préfère que le processus se déroule en privé.
Lecture du biais (Centre): L'article présente les positions de l'accusation et de la défense concernant le traitement de la boîte BIR contenant les dossiers fiscaux du vice-président Sara Duterte.
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 90 · Objectivité 88): Reports accurately on the legal team's change of position regarding the BIR box. Maintains objectivity by presenting both the prosecution's stance and the defense's request for executive session.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 90Objectivité 85il y a 6 h Palace: Better if VP Sara Duterte appears at trial to prove innocenceThe article discusses preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, focusing on her potential personal appearance to demonstrate innocence. The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, is set to begin the trial, with key issues including the handling of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) green box containing Duterte's tax records. Malacañang's press officer, Claire Castro, suggested that Duterte's personal appearance could help prove her innocence. Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson argues that the BIR box should be returned to the House prosecution panel, emphasizing that evidence should be presented by either side rather than being held by the court.
Lecture du biais (Centre): The article presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring one side. It includes statements from both Malacañang representatives advocating for Duterte's personal appearance and Senator Lacson pushing for the return of the BIR box to the House prosecution. There is no clear ideological slan
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 90 · Objectivité 85): The article presents factual information about the Palace's stance on Duterte appearing at her trial. It maintains a neutral tone but subtly suggests the importance of her presence without overt bias.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 90Objectivité 85hier Lacson says impeach court has no business keeping BIR box, orders returnSenator Panfilio 'Ping' Lacson, representing the Senate's impeachment court, stated that the Senate has no legal authority to keep the sealed BIR green box containing Vice President Sara Duterte's tax records. He argued that the box should be returned to the House prosecution panel, emphasizing that evidence should be presented by either side during the trial. Lacson noted that keeping the box violates the law and warned that unsealing it could lead to accusations of misuse of power. He cited the National Internal Revenue Code, stating that tax records can only be disclosed with presidential authorization or a waiver from Duterte. The box was originally submitted by the BIR during a House hearing and later sent to the Senate after attempts to open it failed. The impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on June 6.
Lecture du biais (Centre): While the article discusses a politically sensitive impeachment proceeding, the framing remains neutral. It presents both sides of the argument—Lacson's call for returning the box and the legal rationale behind his stance—without overtly favoring one side. The focus is on procedural legality rather
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 90 · Objectivité 85): The article accurately reports the Senate's uncertainty about the presiding officer. It maintains a neutral tone while presenting the situation objectively.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 90Objectivité 85il y a 4 j Gatchalian: Les dossiers fiscaux du vice-président ne sont pas une priorité dans l'ordre du jour de la destitutionLe président du Sénat, Sherwin Gatchalian, a déclaré que l'ouverture de la boîte scellée du Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) contenant les dossiers fiscaux du vice-président, Sara Duterte, pourrait ne pas être la priorité absolue de l'ordre du jour du procès d'impeachment, qui commence le 6 juillet. La cour d'impeachment décidera s'il faut aborder la question pendant le procès si l'accusation le soulève.
Lecture du biais (Centre): L'article présente des informations sur le processus de destitution sans favoriser ouvertement l'une ou l'autre des parties. Il rapporte les décisions procédurales prises par le président du Sénat Gatchalian et décrit les positions des équipes d'accusation et de défense concernant le dossier BIR.
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 90 · Objectivité 85): The article accurately conveys Gatchalian's comments on the BIR box not being the top priority. It maintains a neutral tone while presenting his perspective without bias.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndépendantCentreFactualité 85Objectivité 80il y a 2 h Sara Duterte pourrait toujours démissionner avant son procès de destitution avocatsSelon l'avocat Howard Calleja, la vice-présidente Sara Duterte pourrait toujours démissionner avant le début de son procès de destitution, citant des précédents tels que ceux de l'ancien ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez et de l'ancien président de la Commission des élections Andres Bautista. Cependant, l'avocat Neri Colmenares soutient que la démission n'empêcherait pas Duterte d'être définitivement disqualifié en raison de la soumission des articles de destitution au Sénat. Duterte fait face à des accusations comprenant l'utilisation abusive de fonds confidentiels, une richesse inexpliquée, des menaces présumées contre le président Ferdinand Marcos Jr. et la corruption de responsables de l'éducation.
Lecture du biais (Centre): L'article présente les deux perspectives - l'avocat Howard Calleja suggérant la démission comme une option et l'avocat Neri Colmenares arguant que cela n'empêcherait pas la disqualification permanente - sans favoriser l'une ou l'autre des parties.
Pourquoi ces scores (Factualité 85 · Objectivité 80): The article accurately reports legal arguments regarding Duterte's potential resignation and the implications of impeachment. However, it leans slightly toward the opposition's perspective by emphasizing the permanence of disqualification.
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