Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte. ARCHIVE

The Philippine House of Representatives has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, marking a dramatic escalation in the political tensions between the Duterte and Marcos camps. With 215 lawmakers signing the impeachment petition—well beyond the required threshold—the case now moves to the Senate, which will act as the impeachment tribunal. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed the numbers in a plenary session on Wednesday (February 5). "The required signatures have been met, and as such, the impeachment complaint is ordered transmitted to the Senate," he stated. Duterte, who has remained silent on the House’s move, has been facing multiple impeachment complaints filed by legislators and activist groups. Allegations against her include constitutional violations, corruption, betrayal of public trust, and high crimes. Among the specific accusations are irregularities in intelligence funds amounting to P612.5 million (Dh37.8 million) and her controversial remarks about contracting an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Only the latest impeachment complaint—signed by 215 lawmakers—has been deemed valid for Senate trial. A major question now is whether the Senate will act swiftly. With Congress going into recess for the May midterm elections, any trial may be delayed unless a special session is called. Duterte’s legal troubles come amid her worsening feud with Marcos Jr. Their once-united front during the 2022 elections has disintegrated, with differences surfacing on issues such as the government’s stance on China and the legacy of Duterte’s father’s war on drugs. The political stakes are high, as Duterte is widely considered a strong contender for the presidency in 2028. Allies argue that the impeachment is politically motivated. The National Bureau of Investigation has subpoenaed Duterte regarding her past threats against Marcos and other officials, prompting increased security measures for the president’s family. The impeachment saga underscores the deepening political rift in the country, with the Senate’s next move being pivotal in determining Duterte’s future in office and beyond. CAM/Expat Media
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