Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte Impeached by House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has voted to impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte, with 255 of 318 members supporting the complaint—surpassing the one-third threshold required to send the case to the Senate for trial.

"The Filipino people deserve a trial that is fair, impartial and rooted in the rule of law."
— Representative Bienvenido Abante, who endorsed the petition

The Charges

The articles of impeachment include allegations of:

• Misappropriation of public funds
• Unexplained wealth
• Bribery
• An alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez

If convicted in a Senate trial, Ms. Duterte would be removed from office and could be disqualified from holding public office for life.

Duterte's Response

Ms. Duterte has denied all allegations. Her defense team stated they are "fully prepared" to defend her before the Senate.

Background

An earlier impeachment bid last year was struck down by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds.

The threat against President Marcos stemmed from a late-night press briefing where Ms. Duterte said she had hired an assassin to kill the president if she were killed. She later stated her comments were misinterpreted.

Ms. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had been considered a leading candidate for the 2028 presidential election.

Public Reaction

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside Congress chanting "Impeach Sara Now."

Broader Context

The impeachment is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Duterte family. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court over his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs.