Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), progressive groups launched continuous protests in recent weeks demanding a thorough trial and accountability for Vice President Sara Duterte. The impeachment complaint against Duterte proceeded after the congressional majority voted to impeach her and senators convened to form an impeachment court.

By a 257-25 vote, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte for a second time on May 11 on charges of betrayal of public trust, corruption, bribery and grave threats. The impeachment passed despite threats from the Duterte camp, through the PDP Laban party, against lawmakers.

Senators convened the impeachment court on May 18 that will try Duterte. The process was led by newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, a known Duterte ally. The House’s 11-member prosecution team was formally registered with the impeachment court.

National-democratic organizations have staged successive actions since May 11 to push for Duterte’s trial. Besides Metro Manila, protests took place in the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao.