In a stunning political development, Vice President Sara Duterte—daughter of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte—is now at the center of a major political storm following accusations of corruption and the misuse of millions of dollars in public funds. The Philippine parliament has voted overwhelmingly to impeach Duterte, marking a significant escalation in her ongoing feud with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Impeachment Vote and the Allegations
On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives passed an impeachment resolution with a vote of 215 to 306, far exceeding the one-third threshold required for the bill to pass. This marks a critical moment in the country’s political landscape, with Sara Duterte now facing accusations that she misused government funds intended for public welfare and development projects.
Adding fuel to the fire, Duterte is also accused of threatening President Marcos with assassination, a claim that has shocked the nation and further deepened the political divide. Duterte has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them part of a political vendetta orchestrated by her adversaries.
In her defense, she insists that the charges are fabricated and meant to undermine her influence and reputation. Despite the accusations, she remains defiant and has vowed to fight the allegations in court.
The Impeachment Process and Potential Consequences
The impeachment resolution will now move to the Senate, where a special impeachment court will convene to hear the case. A date for the trial has not yet been set, but should Duterte be found guilty of the charges, she could face removal from office. This would make her the first vice president in Philippine history to be impeached and would prevent her from holding any public office in the future.
As of now, Duterte remains in office until the Senate reaches a verdict. Political observers and analysts have noted that this impeachment is far from just a legal issue; it is a high-stakes political battle that could have profound implications for the country’s future leadership.
A Divided Nation: The Duterte-Marcos Feud
This impeachment is seen as the latest chapter in the bitter political rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families, two of the most powerful political dynasties in the Philippines. Sara Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. initially teamed up ahead of the 2022 presidential elections, where they won a landslide victory. Duterte had been slightly ahead of Marcos in pre-election opinion polls but chose to run as his vice-presidential candidate, a move that analysts believe secured their combined triumph.
However, their once-promising political alliance has slowly disintegrated as both leaders pursued separate political agendas. Their differences have become more apparent, especially in terms of foreign policy. While Duterte’s father, Rodrigo Duterte, pursued a pro-China stance during his presidency, Marcos has shifted the country’s diplomatic focus back to the United States, creating further rifts within their political partnership.
Sara Duterte’s Political Future
As the country watches her impeachment proceedings unfold, speculation about Sara Duterte’s political future is running high. Despite the current crisis, she is still seen as a strong political figure and a potential successor to President Marcos, particularly in light of his inability to run for a second term in 2028. If the impeachment is successful, it could drastically alter the political trajectory for both Duterte and Marcos, especially given the dynamics between their families.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn are buzzing with reactions to this dramatic turn of events. Supporters of both Duterte and Marcos are engaging in heated debates, and some fear the impeachment could further destabilize the Philippine government, while others view it as a necessary step to combat corruption in high places.
As the impeachment process moves forward, the Philippines remains on edge, with both Duterte and Marcos’ political futures hanging in the balance. Sara Duterte’s struggle for survival in office may very well define the country’s political landscape for years to come.
