A move to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte has been filed in the Philippine House of Representatives, escalating the already tense relationship between her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Bloomberg reports.
While the President’s office has distanced itself from the complaint, the action throws a significant political curveball just two years after the pair won office on a joint ticket.
The impeachment complaint, filed Monday by civil society groups and former government officials, alleges corruption, bribery, and other crimes against Duterte. It cites her recent controversial remarks threatening the lives of President Marcos, his wife, and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as evidence of “depravity” and “mental incapacity.” Lawmaker Arlene Brosas of the Akbayan party, a known Marcos opponent, endorsed the complaint.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated Tuesday that President Marcos’ office is “uninvolved” with the impeachment process, referencing the President’s earlier dismissal of an impeachment bid as a waste of time. The complaint’s success would allow Marcos to appoint a new vice president from within Congress.
Political science professor Froilan Calilung of the University of Santo Tomas described the complaint as “haphazard” but suggested it might be a precursor to a stronger effort next year. While markets showed little reaction, the political implications are substantial. The House has roughly two weeks to decide whether to refer the complaint to a committee. Passage requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate, a hurdle many believe is unlikely given the upcoming May midterm elections and the strong influence of Marcos allies in Congress. Senator Chiz Escudero, Senate President, urged senators to avoid public comment to maintain impartiality.
The complaint details allegations spanning Duterte’s time as vice president, education secretary, and mayor of Davao City. Duterte maintains her comments were taken out of context and has yet to directly respond to the impeachment charges. She is also facing a separate House review of her office’s finances and a police complaint regarding an alleged assault. The National Bureau of Investigation has also summoned her to explain her threats against President Marcos.
This impeachment attempt follows a dramatic public falling out between Duterte and Marcos. Duterte’s statement last month – that she had arranged for the president’s assassination if she were killed – has sparked widespread concern, particularly given her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s, past admissions of directing a “death squad.” Former President Rodrigo Duterte further fueled the tensions last week by calling for the military to address “fractured governance,” a statement interpreted by some as a call for intervention.
The situation recalls the 2000 impeachment of former President Joseph Estrada, though no Philippine vice president has ever been successfully impeached. Previous complaints were filed against former Vice President Leni Robredo.
