Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has taken legal action to challenge her impeachment and prevent a Senate trial that could lead to her removal from office. The impeachment, initiated by the House of Representatives on Feb. 5, accused Duterte of various offenses, including alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and engaging in large-scale corruption. The Senate was set to convene as an impeachment court following the congressional recess on June 2.
Duterte's legal team has petitioned the Supreme Court to nullify the impeachment proceedings, citing procedural flaws and constitutional concerns. They argue that the impeachment process was rushed, depriving some House members of adequate time to review the complaint. The vice president's lawyers assert that the impeachment is politically motivated, aimed at undermining her potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential elections.
If convicted in a Senate trial, Duterte would be barred from holding public office. The impeachment charges stem from her controversial statements during a news conference last November, where she allegedly mentioned the possibility of assassinating the president, his wife, and the House Speaker in the event of her own demise. Additionally, she faces allegations of misusing intelligence funds during her tenures as vice president and education secretary.
Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had previously been aligned with President Marcos Jr. as his vice presidential running mate in 2022. However, their political partnership soured over time. While campaigning for senatorial candidates in the recent midterm elections, Marcos has criticized the previous administration's anti-drug campaign and handling of territorial disputes with China, indirectly referencing the Duterte family.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte's recent remarks at a campaign rally, suggesting the elimination of 15 senators to make room for his allies, have also sparked controversy. Law enforcement authorities have filed criminal complaints against him in response to these statements.
