The Tense Moment

The Senate cameras captured the testimony. They didn’t capture everything, however. On the second day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on July 7, senator-judges examined videos presented by the prosecution to support the impeachment articles accusing her of threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez. Standing as a witness, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent John Mark Calilung walked the impeachment court through some of Duterte’s public statements, including a video from an October 18, 2024, press briefing in which she questioned Marcos’ fitness to lead the country and said she imagined cutting off the President’s head.

### Imee's Reaction

As the NBI agent read Duterte’s statement, Imee was seen smirking. Moments later, when the video was played in the session hall, the senator remained glued to her phone while the other senator-judges watched the footage on the screen. The irony was hard to miss. Remember, it was Rodrigo Duterte who gave the former dictator a hero’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016. From Our Archives Duterte in Ilocos Norte: I will allow Marcos’ burial in Heroes’ Cemetery

### Imee's Past with Sara

Despite Sara’s bitter split with President Marcos Jr., Imee remained one of the Dutertes’ closest political allies. Imee was among the key figures behind that tandem. She said she encouraged Sara to run as Marcos Jr.’s vice presidential running mate. In April 2026, Imee said she regretted helping bring the two families together and felt guilty over how events unfolded.

### Imee's Family Ties

Imee’s father, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos, was known for his brutal regime and the thousands killed during the martial law era. Rodrigo Duterte, Sara's father, also has a dark history. He was the one who gave Imee's father a hero's burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016.

### Sara's Impeachment Trial

Sara faces her impeachment trial in the Senate, with Imee sitting as one of the senator-judges. The trial has the potential to oust Sara from her position as Vice President. The court has already started examining evidence presented by the prosecution, which includes videos of Sara's public statements.

### Imee's Reaction: A Symbolic Moment

The smirking moment captured in the Senate cameras may seem insignificant to some. However, it holds symbolic importance as Imee's reaction reflects her complex relationship with Sara and their families. The tension between the two is clear, and it may continue to play out in the impeachment trial.

### What's Next

The impeachment trial will continue, with senator-judges examining more evidence presented by the prosecution. Sara will likely face more questions and scrutiny as the trial progresses. The outcome is still uncertain, but the stakes are high for Sara and her family.

Key Facts

• Imee Marcos was seen smirking as a video of Sara Duterte's threat against her father was played in the session hall. • The video showed Sara questioning Marcos' fitness to lead the country and imagining cutting off the President's head. • Imee was one of the key figures behind Sara's vice presidential campaign. • Imee regretted helping bring the two families together and felt guilty over how events unfolded. • Sara faces her impeachment trial in the Senate, with Imee sitting as one of the senator-judges. • The trial has the potential to oust Sara from her position as Vice President.