Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached Wednesday on charges including plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., large-scale corruption, and failing to condemn China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos allies, voted overwhelmingly to send the impeachment case to the Senate, escalating tensions between the nation’s top leaders. The move deepens a growing political rift in one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies.
Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has not publicly responded to the impeachment. However, her brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, called it “a clear act of political persecution.”
At least 215 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint, surpassing the required number for fast-tracking the case to the Senate, where Duterte will face trial. Among the signatories were the president’s son, Rep. Sandro Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The charges stem from a death threat Duterte allegedly made against Marcos and his family, irregularities involving $10.5 million in intelligence funds, and her failure to take a strong stance against Chinese territorial incursions. She previously stated she had contracted an assassin to kill Marcos and other officials if she were assassinated, later claiming it was not a direct threat.
Duterte has also been accused of unexplained wealth and failing to declare her assets as required by law. House investigations into her use of intelligence funds have fueled corruption allegations.
The impeachment complaint also cited her criticism of Marcos’ handling of the South China Sea dispute, calling it a “fiasco,” and accused her of undermining government policies.
The Senate will now determine whether Duterte should be removed from office and barred from holding public office in the future.
