An alliance of civil society groups, religious leaders, and former government officials filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, citing allegations of grave misconduct and constitutional violations. The move escalates tensions in Philippine politics, already strained by a bitter feud between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The impeachment complaint, filed in the Philippine House of Representatives, accuses Duterte of using her position for personal gain, fostering impunity, and undermining the principles of public service. “The vice president has reduced public office to a platform for violent rhetoric, personal enrichment, elitist entitlement, and a shield for impunity,” said Teresita Quintos Deles, a former peace negotiator and one of the complainants.
- Violation of Constitutional Principles: Duterte allegedly undermined the system of checks and balances by refusing to attend budget hearings, an act deemed unconstitutional.
- Graft and Corruption: The complaint highlights alleged misuse of funds in both her capacity as vice president and her prior role as education secretary.
- Gross Incompetence: Accusations of dereliction of duty and failure to uphold the responsibilities of her office are central to the complaint.
Leila de Lima, spokesperson for the complainants and a noted critic of Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, framed the impeachment as a moral imperative. “This impeachment is not just a legal battle but a moral crusade to restore dignity and decency to public service,” de Lima said.
Sara Duterte, the daughter of the controversial former president, has maintained a polarizing presence in Philippine politics. She denies any wrongdoing and has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Her office has yet to issue a formal statement, though her spokesperson confirmed that requests for comment had been relayed to the vice president.
Duterte recently sparked controversy with incendiary remarks claiming she had contracted someone to assassinate President Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, should she herself be killed. She later walked back the comments, saying they had been taken out of context.
The impeachment complaint marks the latest fallout from the collapse of an alliance between two of the most powerful political dynasties in the Philippines. Once considered a united front, the Duterte and Marcos families joined forces in the 2022 elections, leading to Marcos’ landslide victory. However, their relationship soured over policy disagreements and power struggles, culminating in an ongoing public feud.
The rift between the two leaders has also underscored broader divisions within Philippine politics, as lawmakers and political groups align themselves with either camp.
President Marcos, speaking on Friday, criticized the impeachment move as a potential distraction for Congress. “Any impeachment complaint against the vice president will only divert attention from the real issues facing our people,” he said.
The Philippine House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos’ allies, holds the initial power to approve or dismiss the impeachment complaint. If approved, the case would move to the Senate for trial. Analysts believe that while the House could push the complaint forward, the Senate’s decision could hinge on shifting political loyalties.
Opposition party Akbayan, a vocal critic of Duterte, formally endorsed the impeachment complaint in Congress. The party’s endorsement reflects growing calls for accountability, though Duterte’s allies have dismissed the move as political maneuvering.
The impeachment filing has polarized public opinion. Critics of Sara Duterte view the move as long overdue, citing her controversial leadership style and her association with her father’s divisive legacy. Supporters argue that the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
Religious leaders have also weighed in, with several endorsing the impeachment complaint. “Public service must be grounded in humility, accountability, and respect for the Constitution. These qualities are sorely lacking in the vice president,” said Father Jose Luis Valdez, a prominent member of the coalition backing the complaint.
However, pro-Duterte lawmakers have accused the opposition of exploiting the impeachment process for political gain. “This is nothing more than a witch hunt aimed at discrediting a strong leader,” said Representative Salvador Ty, an ally of Duterte.
The impeachment process, should it proceed, promises to be a contentious and lengthy battle. Legal experts note that the threshold for conviction in the Senate is high, requiring a two-thirds majority. “This is as much a test of the country’s institutions as it is of Sara Duterte’s political survival,” said political analyst Marites Vitug.
Observers also highlight the broader implications of the impeachment effort. If successful, it could reshape the dynamics of Philippine politics, potentially weakening the Duterte family’s influence while solidifying President Marcos’ position. Conversely, a failed impeachment could embolden Duterte and her allies, further entrenching political divisions.
Sara Duterte’s political career has long been shadowed by her father’s controversial presidency, marked by a brutal anti-drug campaign that left thousands dead. While she initially sought to distance herself from his legacy, critics argue that her leadership has perpetuated many of the same issues, including a disregard for accountability and human rights.
In her dual roles as vice president and education secretary, Duterte has faced scrutiny over her handling of public funds and her confrontational rhetoric. These controversies have amplified calls for transparency and reform in Philippine governance.
As the impeachment process unfolds, the stakes for all involved remain high. For Sara Duterte, the outcome will determine her political future and legacy. For President Marcos, the proceedings could either solidify his authority or expose vulnerabilities in his administration.
Ultimately, the impeachment bid reflects deeper challenges in Philippine politics, including the enduring influence of political dynasties, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the struggle for accountability.
