Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Impeached Over Corruption Allegations

The Philippine House of Representatives has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte following accusations of corruption and threats against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Why Was Duterte Impeached?

Duterte is accused of misusing millions of dollars in public funds and making remarks that suggested she wanted Marcos assassinated. She has denied the accusations, calling them a political attack meant to destroy her career.

The impeachment highlights the ongoing power struggle between Duterte and Marcos, which has been unfolding for months. Both come from powerful political families—Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, while Marcos is the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

What Happens Next?

Out of 306 lawmakers, 215 voted for impeachment, far exceeding the one-third needed for the motion to pass. The case now moves to the Senate, where a trial will determine whether Duterte is guilty. If convicted, she will be permanently banned from holding any government position, making her the first vice president in Philippine history to be impeached.

For now, she remains in office until the Senate delivers a final verdict. However, no trial date has been announced. The impeachment could also affect the country’s upcoming midterm elections in May, which will serve as a test of Marcos’ popularity and the public’s support for Duterte.

Impact on Duterte’s Political Future

Duterte has been considered a strong candidate for the presidency in 2028, as Marcos is not allowed to run again. However, if she is found guilty, she will be permanently disqualified from running for any public office, ending her chances of becoming president.

Her brother, Congressman Paolo Duterte, strongly opposed the impeachment, calling it a politically motivated move that could destabilize the country. President Marcos has not commented but previously said impeachment efforts were a “waste of time.”

The Feud Between Marcos and Duterte

Duterte and Marcos ran together in 2022 as part of the “UniTeam” but quickly grew apart after taking office. Duterte wanted to be defense minister but was instead appointed education secretary. Their disagreements deepened over foreign policy and domestic issues.

Marcos has strengthened ties with the United States and taken a tougher stance against China, while Duterte remains aligned with her father’s pro-China position. He has also taken a more moderate approach to fighting illegal drugs, in contrast to the brutal anti-drug campaign under Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, which left thousands dead.

Tensions worsened when lawmakers, mostly Marcos supporters, began investigating Duterte’s request for confidential funds that were not subject to audits. This led to her resignation from his cabinet in July 2023.

A Controversial Statement Escalates the Conflict

The conflict between Marcos and Duterte took a dramatic turn when Duterte made a shocking statement in a live-streamed press conference. She claimed that she had spoken to someone about "killing" Marcos if she were ever assassinated. Although she later clarified that she was not planning to harm the president, her words sparked widespread concern. Marcos dismissed the statement as unimportant.

Historical Context

Since democracy was restored in the Philippines in 1986, only one president, Joseph Estrada, has been impeached. However, his trial ended when a public uprising forced him out of office in 2001. The only impeachment case that led to a conviction was that of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was found guilty of corruption in 2012.

Now, Duterte’s impeachment trial is expected to be a lengthy and divisive political battle, with major consequences for the country’s leadership and upcoming elections.

Grounds for Impeachment

The verified complaint accuses Duterte of several serious charges, including:

• Violating the Constitution: Betrayal of public trust and other high crimes.

• Misuse of Funds: Alleged malversation of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds with questionable documentation.

• Bribery and Corruption: Accusations of handing out cash to DepEd officials during her tenure.

• Unexplained Wealth: A significant increase in her wealth from 2007 to 2017 that was not disclosed.

• Extrajudicial Killings: Involvement in illegal activities in Davao City.

• Destabilization Efforts: Allegations of boycotting official addresses, leading rallies against President Marcos, and obstructing investigations.

House Investigation Findings

The complaint originated from an investigation into the use of confidential funds by Duterte's offices. The investigation revealed suspicious documentation, including acknowledgment receipts with incorrect dates and non-existent signatories.

Political Response

Rep. Paolo Duterte, the Vice President's brother, condemned the impeachment as a political attack. He claimed that certain lawmakers hastily pushed for the approval of the complaint, which he called a "sinister maneuvering."

Next Steps

The House has elected several members to serve as prosecutors for the impeachment trial, including representatives from various regions and party-lists. The last time the Senate conducted an impeachment trial was in 2012 for Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was convicted for failing to disclose his wealth accurately.

Conclusion

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a significant political event, with allegations ranging from corruption to destabilization efforts. The upcoming Senate trial will be closely watched as it unfolds.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

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