Philippine Vice President Duterte Faces Impeachment Over Alleged Involvement in Marcos Assassination Plot and Other Claims"

Impeachment Complaint Filed in Congress

The impeachment case was officially filed by opposition lawmakers, citing multiple accusations against Duterte, including:

• Alleged ties to a plot to assassinate President Marcos
• Misuse of confidential and intelligence funds
• Political persecution of rivals
• Interference in the military and police hierarchy

While no concrete evidence has been publicly presented, supporters of the impeachment claim that classified intelligence reports suggest Duterte’s involvement in destabilization efforts within the government. The vice president, however, has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them a "desperate political smear campaign".

"This is nothing but a political witch hunt designed to weaken my leadership and distract the public from the real issues affecting our country," Duterte said in a statement.

Assassination Plot Allegations: A Political Bombshell

The most explosive claim in the impeachment case is that Duterte was involved in or had knowledge of a plan to assassinate President Marcos Jr. Allegations surfaced after reports from unnamed sources within the military and intelligence community suggested that a faction within the security forces had been approached for a destabilization effort.

Presidential Security Group (PSG) officials have not confirmed nor denied the existence of a plot but emphasized that security measures for the president had been heightened in recent months.

Malacañang Palace released a brief statement:

"The President remains focused on governing and will not be distracted by speculation. Investigations are ongoing to verify any and all threats to national security."

Analysts say that while assassination rumors in Philippine politics are not uncommon, the implication of a sitting vice president makes this case uniquely volatile.

Misuse of Intelligence Funds: An Ongoing Controversy

Aside from the assassination plot claim, the impeachment complaint also includes allegations of corruption and misuse of confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Critics have accused Duterte of lacking transparency in how intelligence funds were spent, with some alleging that the money may have been diverted for political or personal gain.

Duterte has repeatedly defended her office, stating that all funds were legally allocated and used for security, counterterrorism, and other operational needs.

"The Vice President has no reason to hide anything. All financial transactions followed legal protocols," said her spokesperson.

Tensions Between Marcos and Duterte Camps Escalate

The impeachment case marks a new low in the strained relationship between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte. While the two leaders initially formed a political alliance during the 2022 elections, their partnership has steadily deteriorated over differences in governance and political loyalty.

Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has increasingly distanced herself from the Marcos administration, aligning with her father’s faction and criticizing key policies. Tensions escalated when former President Duterte openly criticized Marcos Jr., questioning his leadership capabilities.

Political scientist Antonio La Viña noted:

"The impeachment move is part of the ongoing power struggle between the Marcos and Duterte factions. This is not just about corruption or security threats—it’s about who will dominate Philippine politics moving forward."

What’s Next? The Road to Impeachment

For the impeachment complaint to progress, it must go through several legal and political hurdles:

1. House of Representatives Review – The complaint will be deliberated by the House Committee on Justice before being forwarded for a plenary vote.
2. House Plenary Vote – If one-third of House members vote in favor, the case proceeds to the Senate for trial.
3. Senate Impeachment Trial – The Senate will act as the impeachment court, requiring a two-thirds majority to convict and remove Duterte from office.

Given the Marcos family's strong influence in Congress, some analysts believe the impeachment has a realistic chance of succeeding. However, Duterte still enjoys significant political backing, particularly from Mindanao and pro-Duterte lawmakers.

Public Reactions: Divided Sentiments

The impeachment move has sparked intense debate among the public. Supporters of Marcos Jr. applauded the decision, saying it was time to hold Duterte accountable for alleged wrongdoings.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s loyal base sees the impeachment as a politically motivated attack. Thousands of Duterte supporters gathered in Davao City and Manila, denouncing the impeachment complaint as "political persecution."

Pro-Duterte groups warned of mass protests if she is forcibly removed from office.

"We will not allow our vice president to be taken down by lies and conspiracies," said a Duterte ally in Congress.

The Bigger Picture: A Nation in Political Turmoil

The impeachment trial of a vice president is a rare and politically destabilizing event. If successful, it could reshape the balance of power ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

The biggest question now is how this will impact governance and national stability. With the economy struggling and key policies needing attention, political experts warn that this battle between the Marcos and Duterte factions could distract from more pressing national concerns.

For now, all eyes remain on Congress, as the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte unfolds in what could be one of the most defining political battles of the decade.