The Philippine Senate is beginning the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in a politically volatile event unfolding against the backdrop of her bitter feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Thousands of police officers have been deployed as the trial commences.
The proceedings could either end Duterte's political career or leave her as the top contender to succeed Marcos Jr. as president. Duterte, who has stated she intends to run for the presidency, could be barred from politics over allegations of corruption and for making death threats against the president.
The trial arrives during a period of political turmoil in the Philippines, where economic growth has stuttered following graft revelations that caused a slump in consumer and investor confidence. Additionally, an anti-graft court ordered the arrest of a senator charged with plunder hours before the Senate trial began.