The explosive trial of Sara Duterte opens in the Philippines and could shake up the 2028 presidential election.

The Philippines are preparing to experience one of the most tense political episodes in their recent history with the opening on Monday of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before the Senate convened as a special tribunal.

This procedure could have major consequences for the country's political future. If convicted, Sara Duterte could face a ban from holding public office, severely jeopardizing her presidential ambitions for the 2028 election.

The trial takes place in an extremely tense political climate opposing two rival camps: that of the Duterte family and that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will not be able to run for another term due to the Philippine Constitution.

Observers believe this legal confrontation could either destroy Sara Duterte's political career or, on the contrary, strengthen her image among her supporters by presenting her as a political target of her opponents.

Tensions have worsened in recent days following chaotic incidents in the Senate, marked in particular by a shooting and the spectacular return of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, former police chief and close ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Wanted by the International Criminal Court for his alleged role in the bloody war on drugs waged under Rodrigo Duterte, Ronald dela Rosa had reappeared in public on May 11 in order to participate in a crucial vote in the Senate.

Her return paved the way for the election of Alan Peter Cayetano, a political ally of Sara Duterte, as Senate Majority Leader. Cayetano will now preside over the impeachment trial, a change considered by several analysts to be potentially decisive for the outcome of the proceedings.

This political and legal battle could permanently reshape the balance of power in the Philippines, where tensions between the Marcos and Duterte clans now dominate the country's political life.