Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The historic places like the EDSA People Power Monument, EDSA Shrine, and Liwasang Bonifacio once again became stages for political action as thousands of Filipinos gathered on January 31, 2025, demanding that the House of Representatives act on the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte in December 2024.
Waving banners that read “Impeach Sara Now!”, protesters chanted calls for justice, accountability, and swift congressional action. Organized by groups such as Akbayan and Magdalo, the demonstration was a powerful reminder of the country’s long history of standing up against perceived abuses of power.
Photos gathered from Impeach Sara group chat
The Impeachment Complaints: A Storm Brewing in Congress
Vice President Duterte is currently facing three separate impeachment complaints, each raising serious allegations:
Threats Against the President – Filed on December 2, 2024, by a coalition of civil society groups, the first complaint accuses Duterte of grave misconduct and constitutional violations, including allegedly making a death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Misuse of Confidential Funds – The second complaint, filed on December 4, 2024, by left-wing activists, alleges that Duterte misused ₱612.5 million in confidential funds and obstructed a congressional probe into the matter.
Corruption and Betrayal of Public Trust – A third complaint, filed later in December, charges Duterte with plunder, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust.
The accusations have sent political shockwaves across the country, with Duterte’s critics calling for her immediate removal and her supporters standing firmly behind her.
Public Opinion: Is the Nation Divided?
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, conducted from December 12 to 18, 2024, reveals that 41% of Filipinos support Duterte’s impeachment, while 35% oppose it, and 19% remain undecided.
The numbers reflect a nation grappling with an unfolding political crisis, as tensions between Duterte and the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continue to rise.
The Rally: A People’s Call for Action
At the January 31 rally, demonstrators criticized Congress for its inaction on the impeachment complaints, accusing lawmakers of delaying the process.
Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña did not hold back, stating:
“What date is it already? January is about to end, but Congress still hasn’t acted on the impeachment complaints. Will Congress cower in fear of Sara Duterte’s power and invalid excuses?”
Activists warned that continued delays in handling the impeachment cases could trigger nationwide protests and civil disobedience movements.
ANG MGA PWERSA AT ANG MGA PANAWAGAN SA MGA RALLIES MULA NOONG ENERO 31, 2024
ENERO 31, 2025
EDSA PPM
9:00AM
Main Organizers: MAGDALO, Akbayan
Sumuporta/Sumama: Mamamayang Liberal, Tindig Pilipinas, SENTRO
Issue/Panawagan: Impeach Sara
ENERO 31, 2025
Liwasang Bonifacio
1-4PM
Main Organizer: BAYAN MUNA/BAYAN/MKBAYAN BLOC
Issues/Panawagan: Katiwalian, Kahirapan,Kawalang Pananagutan (Corruption/Poverty/Impeachment)
ENERO 31, 2025
EDSA SHRINE
2-7PM
Main Organizer: Clergy and Citizens for Good Governance
Main Bulk of Mobilization: PLM/SANLAKAS/BMP
Issues/Panawagan: Anti-Marcos/Anti-Duterte; Resign All!
Duterte’s Response: Defiant and Unshaken
Despite the growing public outcry, Vice President Duterte has remained defiant, stating that she welcomes the impeachment proceedings and is prepared to defend herself against all accusations.
Her camp has dismissed the impeachment attempts as “politically motivated”, accusing opposition forces of attempting to destabilize the government.
“I will face this head-on. The truth will prevail,” Duterte said in a brief statement.
What Happens Next?
The fate of Duterte’s impeachment now rests in the hands of the House of Representatives, which is dominated by allies of President Marcos.
For an impeachment complaint to move forward, one-third of House members must vote in favor of sending it to the Senate for trial. However, given the complex political dynamics, many believe that the process will be a fierce battle between loyalty, influence, and accountability.
With public pressure mounting and political tensions running high, the Philippines is once again at a crossroads. Will the House act decisively, or will Duterte’s influence shield her from accountability?
For now, the nation waits.
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