Philippine government investigators have filed criminal complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, including charges of sedition, over her public threat to have the president assassinated in the event of her own death. The complaints of inciting to sedition and grave threats were lodged at the Department of Justice by the National Bureau of Investigation.
Vice President Duterte, a lawyer and daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, responded to the complaints by stating that she anticipated such actions from her political rivals. She has accused them of trying to hinder her potential bid for the presidency when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term concludes in 2028.
The vice president's father, Rodrigo Duterte, is currently under scrutiny for his administration's brutal anti-drug campaign, which resulted in numerous deaths. The International Criminal Court is investigating these killings as possible crimes against humanity.
Sara Duterte had run as the vice presidential candidate alongside Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. However, their political partnership soured quickly, leading to a bitter feud in the Philippines' political landscape, known for its competing political factions.
Last week, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Duterte on various charges, including her controversial remarks about the potential assassination of Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The impeachment complaint, supported by a majority of House members aligned with Marcos, also cited allegations of corruption and misuse of office funds.
The Senate, comprising 24 members, is set to address the impeachment proceedings when Congress reconvenes in June. Despite denying that her statements constituted a threat against Marcos and others, the vice president's comments raised national security concerns and prompted investigations by the NBI.
During a recent news conference, Vice President Duterte mentioned that her legal team is preparing for the impeachment trial but did not disclose whether resignation was being considered to avoid a potential conviction that could bar her from future presidential candidacy.
