The Philippine House of Representatives has impeached Vice President Sara Duterte for a second time, deepening a political crisis that could jeopardise her widely expected presidential bid in 2028.
Overwhelming Vote for Impeachment
Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Monday to move her impeachment case to the Senate, where a trial would determine whether Ms Duterte should remain as vice president or be permanently barred from holding public office. Of the 290 legislators present, 255 backed the impeachment motion, well above the threshold required under Philippine law.
Allegations Against Duterte
The allegations against the vice president, 47, include misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. At an online press conference last year, Ms Duterte said she had instructed someone that “if I get killed, go kill BBM, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez”. BBM is a reference to the president.
Duterte Dismisses Proceedings
Ms Duterte dismissed the proceedings as politically motivated, calling the impeachment complaint “nothing more than a scrap of paper”. She also declined to attend congressional hearings examining the accusations.
Historic Second Impeachment
The latest impeachment came after the Philippine Supreme Court last year nullified an earlier attempt on procedural grounds before a Senate trial could begin. However, the ruling did not prevent lawmakers from filing a new case. Ms Duterte is the first official in Philippine history to be impeached twice.
Senate Trial Ahead
Attention is now focused on the Senate, where analysts say Duterte still retains strong support. “The manner in which the impeachment trial will play out before the public will shape how voters will look at her candidacy,” Jean Encinas-Franco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, told TIME. Ms Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, remains a leading contender in early polling for the 2028 election despite her deepening feud with Mr Marcos Jr.
