Vice President Sara Duterte Vows ‘Powerful Opposition’ Amid Senate Trial
Sara Duterte Responds to PDP-Laban’s Setback in Senate Elections
Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly expressed her disappointment over her party PDP-Laban’s underwhelming performance in the recently concluded 2025 midterm senatorial elections, where the party secured only three apparent seats. The outcome was widely interpreted as a setback for the once-dominant political group led by the Duterte family.
Vows to Lead Strong Opposition Movement
Despite the electoral losses, Duterte vowed to lead what she described as a “powerful and vocal opposition”, both in the Senate and in the broader political arena. Speaking at a press conference in Davao City, the Vice President declared that her faction will continue to hold the current administration accountable on key issues such as governance, corruption, and foreign policy.
Impeachment Trial Looms Over Vice President Duterte
Sara Duterte‘s remarks come amid preparations for her impending Senate impeachment trial, scheduled to commence in June 2025. The charges against her include graft, corruption, and betrayal of public trust, primarily linked to alleged irregularities during her time as Secretary of Education and in her current capacity as Vice President.
Duterte Frames Charges as Politically Motivated
In her address, Duterte framed the impeachment proceedings as politically motivated attacks orchestrated by her rivals to undermine her influence and damage her family’s political legacy. She reiterated her innocence, insisting that the charges were baseless and that she will vigorously defend herself throughout the trial.
PDP-Laban’s Senate Minority Role Confirmed
With only three of its candidates securing Senate seats, PDP-Laban is set to assume the minority leadership role in the chamber. Duterte confirmed that the party will use its limited numbers strategically, ensuring that critical legislative debates reflect alternative voices and challenge what she called the “rubber-stamping majority.”
Coalition-Building Efforts Underway
Despite the electoral blow, Duterte revealed that PDP-Laban is exploring coalition-building opportunities with other minority parties, including independent senators and progressive blocs, to form a stronger opposition bloc capable of influencing key legislative agendas.
Analysts See Shift in Duterte’s Political Strategy
Political analysts suggest that Duterte’s aggressive posture indicates a shift in her political strategy, from positioning herself as a leading administration figure to becoming the face of the opposition. Observers note that this move could help her consolidate a loyal base ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Critics Accuse Duterte of Playing the Victim Card
Critics, however, accused Duterte of playing the victim card to deflect from the serious allegations she faces. Opposition lawmakers argued that Duterte should focus on clearing her name in the Senate impeachment trial rather than using the process to stoke political narratives.
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Recent surveys reveal that public opinion on the Vice President’s situation remains divided. While some sectors continue to support Duterte and view the impeachment as harassment, others see the trial as a necessary step toward accountability for high-ranking officials.
International Observers Monitor Political Developments
The political turmoil has caught the attention of international observers and rights organizations, with several groups calling for transparency and adherence to due process during the impeachment proceedings. The European Union and United Nations have both issued statements encouraging the Philippines to uphold democratic institutions.
Duterte Urges Supporters to Mobilize Peacefully
Duterte also called on her supporters to mobilize peacefully in support of her during the Senate trial. She warned against violence, urging her base to remain vigilant but law-abiding as the proceedings unfold in the coming weeks.
Potential Impact on PDP-Laban’s Future
The current political crisis is expected to have long-term implications for PDP-Laban’s future. Analysts suggest that the party must undergo introspection and restructuring if it hopes to regain public trust and rebuild its electoral strength.
Senate Prepares for Impeachment Trial Procedures
Meanwhile, the Senate has begun preparations for the high-profile impeachment trial, with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirming that formal proceedings will begin in June, following the traditional rules of impeachment courts as outlined in the Philippine Constitution.
Political Climate Expected to Remain Volatile
With the Senate trial on the horizon and Duterte positioning herself as the leader of the opposition, the Philippines’ political climate is expected to remain volatile, particularly as lawmakers and the public brace for a divisive and highly publicized impeachment process.
Conclusion: Duterte Reinvents Role as Opposition Leader Amid Crisis
Vice President Sara Duterte’s vow to lead a “powerful opposition” signals a strategic pivot in her political career, as she faces the most serious challenge yet in the form of an impeachment trial. Whether this approach will strengthen her political brand or further erode her influence remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly set the stage for a dramatic new chapter in Philippine politics.
