The Philippine House of Representatives has moved Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment closer to a decisive vote, the first step in a week-long process that will test whether allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr have enough support to send the case to a Senate trial.

The House placed the impeachment on its plenary agenda on Tuesday, a day after its justice committee endorsed the case, setting up a possible vote by all lawmakers on whether Duterte-Carpio should stand trial in the Senate.

Under the constitution, the articles of impeachment can be sent to the Senate if backed by at least one third of House members, turning the question of numbers into the central drama of Tuesday’s session.

The plenary vote is expected on Monday next week at the earliest, but if at least 106 signatures are already attached, the articles can be sent to the Senate immediately without the nominal voting on the floor by each lawmaker.

The move pushed one of the country’s most powerful political figures – Marcos’ 2022 running mate and the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte – nearer to a trial that could threaten her 2028 presidential run and deepen the feud between the two dynasties.

On Monday, the House justice committee voted 55-0 to impeach Duterte-Carpio on four grounds.