AS the impeachment trial of the Vice President Sara Duterte begins in the Senate, many Filipinos are asking a practical question beyond the political drama: How much will it cost—and who pays for it?
The short answer: Taxpayers do.
At least ₱26 million set aside
The Senate has at least ₱26 million available to cover the impeachment proceedings using continuing appropriations under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Before the trial even formally opened, around ₱500,000 had already been spent when the articles of impeachment were first transmitted.
The trial marks only the second impeachment case to reach the Senate in recent decades.
During the 2012 impeachment trial of Renato Corona, the House of Representatives spent about ₱5.8 million, with a large portion going to food, logistics, and administrative support.
What is VP Duterte accused Of?
Vice President Duterte is facing four articles of impeachment, including allegations involving:
- Misuse of more than ₱612 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education;
- Unexplained wealth;
- Bribery; and
- Betrayal of public trust.
She has denied wrongdoing, and the Senate trial will determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence.
What else could ₱26 Million pay for?
For many Filipinos coping with rising prices, the cost of the trial has become part of the conversation.
Lead public prosecutor Gerville Luistro said ordinary workers have asked whether spending millions on the proceedings is justified while many families struggle to buy food and fuel.
Economists note that ₱26 million could also help fund public services such as:
- Road construction and repairs in rural communities;
- Scholarships for hundreds of students; or
- Medical assistance for thousands of low-income families.
These comparisons highlight the opportunity cost of public spending—the benefits that could have been gained if the money had been used elsewhere.
How will the spending be monitored?
Government officials say the expenses will still be subject to oversight.
The Department of Budget and Management will release the necessary funds so the Senate can perform its constitutional duty, while the Commission on Audit will review expenditures to ensure public money is properly spent.
To help reduce costs, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said senators will reuse existing crimson impeachment robes instead of purchasing new ones.
Why this matters
An impeachment trial is one of the government's most expensive and consequential constitutional processes. While millions of pesos will be spent, many Filipinos say the value of that spending will ultimately depend on whether the proceedings are fair, transparent, and lead to genuine accountability.
For taxpayers, the question is not only how much the trial costs, but whether every peso spent strengthens public trust in government and the rule of law.
