Written for The Diplomat
Election season has officially begun in the Philippines, with the filing of candidacies of prospective candidates for the midterm polls scheduled for May 2025. But aside from election-related activities, the prospect that Vice President Sara Duterte could face impeachment is expected to dominate the local news and political scene until the end of the year.
The elections and impeachment reflect the worsening rift between two factions in the ruling coalition, led by the Marcos and Duterte clans. This became evident when the senatorial slate of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did not include incumbent senators who are known to be close allies of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
Impeachment is seriously being considered a year after the Dutertes openly started attacking the Marcos government. It is visibly the result of their maneuver for political dominance. However, the demand for accountability has also been a consistent clamor of various stakeholders. The discussion over impeachment should serve as a lesson and a warning to both Duterte and Marcos camps and their allies that being elected to power does not give them the mandate to commit misconduct and betray public trust.
Sara Duterte Threatened With Impeachment Over Fund Misuse
Written for The Diplomat
For the first time in Philippine history, the budget of the office of the vice president was deferred twice by a committee of the House of Representatives. Vice President Sara Duterte’s refusal to answer queries from legislators led to the deferral of her proposed budget for 2025. When she skipped the rescheduled hearing, her budget was again not approved and transmitted to the plenary with a substantial reduction.
If she continues to evade questions from Congress, she could face impeachment.
In the past two decades, legislators in the Philippines have endorsed impeachment petitions against presidents and Supreme Court chief justices. As Duterte continues to dismiss demands for transparency and accountability, she could soon become the first vice president to face an impeachment trial.