 "Why Philippine lawmakers have impeached Vice President Sara Duterte")
The Philippine House of Representatives has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte on multiple charges, including corruption, abuse of power, and failure to strongly oppose China’s actions in the South China Sea.
The move has further escalated tensions between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, whose alliance in the 2022 election helped them secure a joint victory but has since disintegrated amid deep political and personal differences.
With at least 215 lawmakers signing the impeachment complaint — well above the required threshold — the case is now set to move to the Senate, which will act as an impeachment court.
If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public positions in the future. However, the trial will only commence once Congress reconvenes after the midterm elections in June.
What are the allegations against Sara Duterte?
The impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of committing a culpable violation of the constitution, engaging in large-scale corruption, and betraying public trust. Among the most serious allegations is the misuse of 612.5 million pesos ($10.5 million) in confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as vice president and education secretary.
A monthslong House investigation has scrutinised these expenditures, raising concerns about unexplained wealth and the failure to disclose assets as required by law. Duterte has refused to provide detailed answers in several tense and widely televised hearings.
Another pivotal issue in the impeachment case is Duterte’s alleged death threat against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a November press conference, she claimed to have contracted an assassin to kill Marcos and his inner circle if she were targeted herself. Although she later stated that her remarks were not intended as a threat but rather an expression of concern for her own safety, the comments triggered a national security review and fueled further political turmoil.
Additionally, Duterte’s stance on territorial disputes with China has been called into question. The complaint highlights her criticism of the Marcos administration’s approach, labelling it a “fiasco,” and accuses her of remaining silent in the face of increasing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
Lawmakers argue that her failure to take a firm stand undermined national security and contradicted the government’s official policies.
What is the Duterte vs Marcos fued?
The impeachment is a significant political blow to the Duterte family, which has wielded considerable influence in Philippine politics since Rodrigo Duterte’s rise to power.
The former president, known for his hardline policies and controversial war on drugs , had cultivated strong ties with China and Russia during his term — positions that contrast sharply with Marcos’ pro-US foreign policy stance.
Duterte’s brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, has strongly condemned the impeachment, calling it “a clear act of political persecution.” He accused rival lawmakers of orchestrating a rushed and baseless case to suppress Duterte’s political ambitions ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Other allies have also dismissed the impeachment as a politically motivated maneuver designed to eliminate a formidable opponent.
While Marcos has publicly stated that he does not support Duterte’s impeachment, he stated that he has no power over the legislative process. His son, Rep. Sandro Marcos, and his cousin, House Speaker Romualdez, both signed the complaint, putting a spotlight on the deep divisions within the country’s leadership.
Just two years ago, Marcos and Duterte swept to victory on a campaign platform promising unity. However, their relationship has since collapsed under the weight of political disagreements and personal accusations.
Duterte has publicly accused Marcos and his wife of corruption, weak leadership, and attempting to silence her in anticipation of the 2028 elections.
What happens next?
The impeachment now awaits Senate action , but Senate President Francis Escudero has clarified that proceedings cannot begin until Congress reconvenes in June.
The 23 senators will serve as jurors in the impeachment trial, where a two-thirds majority is required to convict Duterte. Given that she still enjoys backing from key political allies, the outcome remains uncertain.
“I am unsure if they have the votes to convict VP Sarah,” Ederson Tapia, professor of public administration at the University of Makati, was quoted by Reuters. “For the Duterte dynasty, obviously, Sarah is fighting for political survival.”
The impeachment coincides with the upcoming midterm elections in May, which are widely seen as a crucial test of Marcos’ popularity.
If the impeachment trial proceeds, it could significantly impact the political landscape and reshape alliances.
With inputs from agencies
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