Analysis: What Happens if Vice President Sara Duterte is Impeached?
Political analyst Froilan Calilung of the University of Santo Tomas has weighed in on the implications of Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential impeachment, suggesting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would likely have the power to appoint a new vice president.
The Constitutional Prospects
The Constitution grants the president the authority to name a new vice president if the current one is impeached and removed. This is similar to when former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo nominated Teofisto Guingona as vice president after the previous vacancy in 2001. Guingona’s nomination was subsequently validated by Congress, solidifying his position as the 11th vice president of the Philippines.
The Political Dynamics
Calilung posits that if Vice President Sara Duterte is impeached, Marcos Jr. might appoint someone who aligns with his political bloc. This strategic move could potentially simplify his maneuvering for the 2028 presidential election. Politically, an impeachment conviction would mean Sara Duterte is subjected to perpetual disqualification, barring her from any public office or government role for life.
The Strategic Ramifications
Essentially, Sara Duterte’s potential impeachment serves as a means to eliminate a formidable political adversary. This scenario, if realized, would significantly weaken any challenge she might pose for the 2028 presidential race. Calilung underscores the gravity of the situation: “By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.”
Calilung believes there is a strong possibility of an impeachment conviction should the Senate majority include many of Marcos Jr.’s senators. This anticipated shift in political dynamics is closely monitored, with particular attention to public opinion. “We shall see if the Dutertes still possess a sway over the electorate,” he observes, indicating the critical importance of senatorial election results.
The House Action and Its Criticism
The House of Representatives took a significant step, voting to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. To do so, 215 representatives endorsed the impeachment complaint to the Senate. However, the Senate adjourned without addressing the impeachment bid.
Calilung argues that the House’s impeachment action was unconstitutional due to procedural concerns. He suggests that the process was rushed, not meeting the sufficient formal and substantive requirements stipulated by the Constitution. “One can argue it was railroaded,” Calilung adds, emphasizing the constitutional importance of allowing adequate time for review and validation of complaints.
Future Implications
The political landscape in the Philippines remains volatile, with high-stakes implications for both the present and the future. How the Senate decides on the impeachment bid will undoubtedly shape the remaining term of President Marcos Jr. and set the stage for his re-election campaign in 2028.
“This is a solemn function given to Congress,” Calilung explains, reinforcing the gravity of the Senate’s future role in this legal and political process. He argues that the Constitution’s procedural safeguards were circumvented, raising questions about the legitimacy of the House’s actions.
Conclusion
The potential impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and its aftermath are complex and far-reaching. They not only threaten the political future of one of the most influential figures in Philippine politics but also have significant implications for the upcoming 2028 presidential election. The upcoming Senate elections will play a crucial role in determining the fate of the impeachment proceedings and the future of Filipino politics.
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