The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte of the Philippines is set to begin on Monday. This case has brought to light a fierce conflict between two of the nation’s most influential political families.
Lawmakers accuse Ms. Duterte, daughter of a former president, of embezzlement and threatening the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., himself a member of a prominent political family. This dramatic split occurred just four years after the initial alliance between the Marcoses and the Dutertes in 2022.
Since becoming vice president in 2022 alongside Mr. Marcos, Ms. Duterte has consistently denied these charges. She claims that these accusations aim to undermine her political career. She has publicly stated her intention to run for president in 2028, following her father’s path. Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently resides in The Hague, detained on charges related to a violent anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
Ms. Duterte’s legal team has argued that the case lacks constitutional backing, suffering from procedural and substantive issues.
Similar to the United States, impeachment in the Philippines involves a Senate trial following impeachment by the House of Representatives. On this occasion, the House members voted overwhelmingly for impeachment in May.
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