House of Representatives Approves Impeachment
On February 5, 2025, the Philippine House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The motion garnered support from 215 lawmakers, surpassing the required 102 votes. The impeachment complaint now advances to the Senate, where 23 senators will serve as jurors in the forthcoming trial.
Allegations Leading to Impeachment
The impeachment charges against Vice President Duterte encompass a range of serious allegations:
- Assassination Plot: Accusations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Corruption: Alleged large-scale corruption and misuse of public funds.
- Foreign Policy Stance: Failure to denounce China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
These allegations have intensified the political rift within the country’s leadership.
Senate Trial Timeline
Senate President Francis Escudero announced that the Senate would address the impeachment complaint on June 2, 2025, following the midterm elections. He emphasized that senators must be sworn in while Congress is in session before convening as an impeachment tribunal.
Political Implications and Responses
The impeachment marks a significant blow to the Duterte family’s political influence. Vice President Duterte has dismissed the allegations as a political vendetta. Her brother, Congressman Paolo Duterte, condemned the impeachment efforts as politically motivated.
This development underscores the deepening political divisions within the Philippines and sets the stage for a pivotal Senate trial that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
