Lower House of Philippines Impeaches Vice President
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has faced impeachment by the House of Representatives, with many supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. backing the move. The impeachment petition, accusing Duterte of various offenses, has now been sent to the Senate for further action. Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been embroiled in a political feud with Marcos Jr., leading to her impeachment.
Following their joint election in 2022, Duterte and Marcos Jr. quickly clashed on key issues such as China’s territorial claims and Duterte’s father’s controversial anti-drug campaign. The situation worsened when the International Criminal Court reopened a probe into alleged killings related to the drug war.
In a dramatic turn of events, Duterte resigned from her party due to what she deemed as a political power play. She accused Marcos Jr., his wife, and other leaders of corruption and silencing her potential presidential bid. The tensions escalated when Duterte reportedly discussed hiring an assassin to eliminate her political adversaries, although she later clarified that it was a matter of safety concern rather than a threat.
The House has been investigating Duterte over alleged misuse of funds, leading to her resignation as education secretary and removal from the National Security Council. She has also faced criticism for her response to Chinese aggression and her absence during investigative hearings.
Despite the impeachment, supporters believe it will only strengthen public support for Duterte and fuel criticism against her detractors. The political turmoil in the Philippines continues to unfold amidst power struggles and legal challenges.
Contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters.
