Philippine Senate removes Duterte ally as head, elects new leader ahead of VP impeachment trial

The Philippine Senate has ousted an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte from its leadership, electing a new president just weeks before an impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to commence. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian secured the Senate presidency in a special session on Wednesday.

The move formalizes the removal of Alan Peter Cayetano, who was elected Senate president only last month. Cayetano and his allies were absent from Wednesday's session, which was convened by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track urgent legislation, including an anti-political-dynasty bill. Gatchalian's election was supported by all 13 senators present, though he belongs to a different political party than Marcos.

The leadership struggle intensified last month when Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who faces International Criminal Court charges, reappeared to cast a crucial vote installing Cayetano. Dela Rosa, a former running mate of Rodrigo Duterte, had been absent for months. He reportedly left the Senate session early on May 14, the same day that chaos and gunfire erupted within the chamber. His current whereabouts are unknown.

Rodrigo Duterte is currently in ICC detention facing charges of crimes against humanity, while Dela Rosa is sought on similar charges related to Duterte's "war on drugs." Both deny the ICC allegations. The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, is scheduled to begin hearing Sara Duterte's case on July 6. Conviction could prevent her from holding public office and potentially derail her 2028 presidential ambitions. The impeachment complaint accuses her of misusing public funds, accumulating unexplained wealth, and threatening Marcos and other officials.