MANILA – The Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice-President Sara Duterte over threats to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and allegations of misuse of public funds. This impeachments come just before Congress goes on a four-month break ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
Duterte Becomes First Vice-President Impeached in Philippine History
Duterte is now the first vice-president in Philippine history to face impeachment. Her impeachment was sanctioned by 215 out of 306 lawmakers, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
Tensions Rise Between Duterte and Marcos
The impeachment signals an escalation in the feud between Duterte and Marcos, whose political alliances often clash. Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of the president, leads a majority of the House supporting this move.
Observers predict this could spell the end of her political career, though some analysts suggest it might have unforeseen consequences.
Timeline and Potential Outcomes
The impeachment vote occurred less than a week before the official campaign period began on February 11. Given the ongoing political rivalry, the election is expected to serve as a referendum on the Marcos presidency.
If 16 of the 23 sitting senators vote to convict her, Duterte will be removed from office. Conversely, a rejection would Mean she survives the impeachment attempt.
The impeachment trial faces a June 13 deadline, coinciding with the end of the 19th Congress. A new Congress will convene by June 30.
Specific Charges Against Duterte
Duterte was impeached for threats made in November 2023 to assassinate President Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker. She later downplayed her remarks, calling them a “plan without flesh.”
She also faced accusations of misusing over ₱612.5 million in funds, intended for sensitive and classified purposes, allocated in 2022 and 2023 to the Office of the Vice-President and the Department of Education.
Additional charges include alleged bribery, financial manipulation in the education sector, unexplained wealth, and involvement in extrajudicial killings as mayor of Davao City from 2016 to 2022.
Duterte was also accused of inciting insurrection and destabilizing the government in 2023 when she supported protesters calling for Marcos’ resignation and defended controversial pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Political Context and Delays
Three impeachment cases were filed in late 2023, but the House delayed action for weeks. This pause was likely due to Marcos distancing himself from the impeachment process.
A rally by the influential Iglesia ni Cristo church on January 13 against the impeachment further underscored political tensions.
An administration-allied legislator filed a fourth impeachment complaint on February 5, following a Social Weather Stations poll showing 41% support for DSPJ and 35% opposition.
Analysis and Future Implications
Political analyst Aries Arugay suggests that the goal of the impeachment is to prevent Duterte from running for president in 2028, pointing out that a Senate conviction would bar her from future political roles.
Academic Dr. Carmel Abao notes that the impeachment process likely had Marcos’ tacit approval. Despite disclaiming involvement, his son Sandro Marcos signed the impeachment vote.
Dr. Abao further contends that legislators are unlikely to act against the president’s interests before elections.
Political analyst Jean Encinas-Franco from the University of the Philippines suggests that Duterte could leverage her popularity and portray herself as a victim to sway public opinion in her favor during the trial.
Public Response and Campaign Dynamics
Duterte remains popular despite declining trust and approval ratings due to the ongoing investigations. Her presence in politics will likely influence the dynamics of the May midterms and subsequent elections.
The impeachment process highlights the complex political relationships and the delicate balance of power within the Philippines’ political arena.
- Mara Cepada is the Philippines correspondent for The Straits Times.
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