Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is facing an impeachment complaint filed Monday in the House of Representatives, citing death threats she made against the president and her alleged involvement in extra-judicial killings, corruption, and failure to oppose Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, reports Associated Press (AP).
The complaint, brought forward by prominent civil society activists, accuses Duterte of violating the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and committing “high crimes.” Among the allegations are death threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Representative Percival Cendana, who endorsed the complaint, stated, “We’re hoping that with this complaint, we can end the nightmare that our vice president has brought to the people.” A copy of the complaint obtained by AP described Duterte’s actions as reflecting “mental incapacity, depravity, and lack of mental fitness,” qualifying as both betrayal of public trust and a high crime warranting impeachment.
Philippines vice president publicly threatens President Marcos with assassination
Duterte, 46, also faces allegations of unexplained wealth and of permitting the continuation of extra-judicial killings of drug suspects initiated by her father, Rodrigo Duterte, during his tenure as mayor of Davao City.
The impeachment comes amid a bitter political rivalry between Duterte and President Marcos Jr. She acknowledged in a Nov. 23 online news conference that she had hired an assassin to target Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez if she were killed. Duterte later clarified that her comments were not intended as a threat but reflected concerns about her safety.
The Philippine Congress, dominated by Marcos and Romualdez allies, will now scrutinise the impeachment complaint. The legislative process may extend into the new year, as Congress is set to recess on Dec. 20 and resume on Jan. 13, with elections in May adding further political complexity.
A key issue in the House’s ongoing investigation concerns the alleged misuse of PHP 612.5 million ($10.3 million) in confidential and intelligence funds by Duterte’s offices as vice president and former education secretary. Duterte has refused to respond to detailed questions in tense televised hearings and strongly objected to the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, who was accused of obstructing the inquiry.
Criminal complaints have also been filed against Duterte and her security staff for alleged assault and defiance of authorities during an altercation in Congress.
The rivalry between Marcos and Duterte, former running mates who won by a landslide in the 2022 election, has escalated due to disagreements over policy, including approaches to China’s territorial claims and the controversial anti-drug crackdown led by Duterte’s father.
The impeachment complaint includes accusations that Duterte failed to condemn Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and allowed extra-judicial killings of drug suspects during her tenure as mayor of Davao City. Arturo Lascanas, a former police officer and key witness, claimed Duterte permitted these killings to continue.
The impeachment effort highlights the fallout from Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths and is under investigation by the International Criminal Court as a potential crime against humanity.
President Marcos has dismissed the impeachment effort as a distraction, but critics argue it is necessary to uphold accountability and the rule of law.