The political landscape in the Philippines is witnessing a dramatic upheaval as the House of Representatives has cast an overwhelming vote to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. This move comes amidst accusations of unexplained wealth and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signaling a deepening rift between the nation’s top two leaders.
The impeachment decision saw a decisive 257-25 vote, with nine lawmakers abstaining, reflecting the influence of President Marcos Jr.’s allies in the legislative body. The outcome pushes the impeachment complaints forward to the Senate, where a trial will determine Duterte’s fate, potentially impacting her aspirations for the 2028 presidential race.
In the Senate, a shake-up occurred as Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who had committed to expediting the trial process, was removed from his position. The leadership change, initiated by 13 of the 24 senators, included support from allies of both Vice President Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Sotto expressed his intention to pursue the trial proceedings against the vice president without delay.
A Standoff in the Senate
Amidst the political turmoil, Sen. Roland dela Rosa, a known associate of the former president, made a surprise appearance in the Senate after months of absence. His sudden arrival led to a pursuit by National Bureau of Investigation officers, but he managed to find refuge among fellow senators in the plenary hall.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, detained in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity, faces scrutiny for his aggressive anti-drugs policy. Dela Rosa, who led the national police during that period, has been called for an investigation into his involvement in the campaign’s deadly outcomes.
The International Criminal Court recently unsealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa, citing the murder of “no less than 32 persons” during his tenure as police chief. However, his current protection within the Senate complicates the warrant’s execution.
Impeachment Challenges for Duterte
Vice President Duterte has consistently refuted any allegations of misconduct, although she has yet to address the specific criminal charges. Her legal team stated their readiness to defend her during the Senate trial, emphasizing the prosecution’s responsibility to present substantial evidence.
Duterte has accused President Marcos and his associates of corruption and inadequate leadership, suggesting attempts to suppress her potential 2028 presidential candidacy. Previously, she averted an impeachment through a Supreme Court ruling on procedural grounds.
Rep. Gerville Luistro, leading the House Justice Committee, outlined the impeachment complaints, which include significant financial discrepancies and misuse of official funds. Additionally, Luistro highlighted Duterte’s alleged threats against President Marcos and others, prompting a criminal investigation.
“These are matters that go into the integrity and accountability and fitness of a public official occupying the second highest position in our government,” stated Rep. Leila de Lima, supporting one of the impeachment complaints. She dismissed claims of political persecution, emphasizing the legal basis for the proceedings.
The vice president’s husband, Manases Carpio, has initiated legal action against legislators and officials over the disclosure of their bank transactions, citing a breach of the Philippines’ bank secrecy laws.
Despite the controversies, Vice President Duterte maintains a strong public approval, as reflected in independent surveys. Her previous political alliance with President Marcos during the 2022 election has since soured, with Duterte criticizing Marcos for the ICC’s actions regarding her father’s detention.
