Sara Duterte Faces Historic Impeachment: House of Representatives Releases Summary of Complaints

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In a dramatic turn of events, the Philippine House of Representatives officially impeached Vice President Sara Duterte on February 5, 2025. The move came after 215 out of 306 lawmakers signed and verified an impeachment complaint against the vice president, far surpassing the one-third requirement for an automatic Senate trial. On February 16, 2025, the House further escalated the matter by publicly releasing a detailed summary of complaints against Duterte, solidifying the charges that will be deliberated in the upcoming Senate trial.

Grounds for Impeachment

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte consists of seven Articles of Impeachment based on four primary grounds:

Culpable Violation of the Constitution

Betrayal of Public Trust

Graft and Corruption

Other High Crimes

Among the most shocking allegations is the claim that Duterte conspired to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. According to the impeachment complaint, Duterte allegedly made a statement indicating that she had contracted an assassin to kill these officials if any harm befell her. Although Duterte later clarified that her remarks were merely expressions of concern for her safety, the House deemed them a serious threat to national security and governance. (https://apnews.com/article/374ef4c452e99150d751bdb3130b68a0)

The charges also include accusations of misusing confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary. Duterte allegedly engaged in large-scale corruption, amassing unexplained wealth, and failing to disclose her assets properly in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). Furthermore, her alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings as Davao City Mayor, through the controversial Davao Death Squad, has resurfaced, intensifying the case against her. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_of_Sara_Duterte)

Political Fallout and Duterte's Response

The impeachment proceedings have deepened the already growing rift between Vice President Duterte and President Marcos. Although the two were elected under the UniTeam alliance in 2022, tensions have mounted over time, culminating in Duterte’s resignation from Marcos' Cabinet in mid-2024. The vice president has accused the president and his allies of using impeachment as a political tool to derail her anticipated presidential bid in 2028. (https://apnews.com/article/e55f4678277aeaeba9b85c90307c3402)

Meanwhile, President Marcos has distanced himself from the impeachment, stating that it is purely a legislative matter. Malacañang issued a statement clarifying that the Palace had no involvement in the House’s decision, urging the public to allow due process to take its course. (https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/palace-has-nothing-to-do-with-vps-impeachment)

Senate Trial and Next Steps

With the Articles of Impeachment now transmitted to the Senate, the upper chamber of Congress is constitutionally mandated to convene as an impeachment court. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has announced that the trial will commence in June 2025 when Congress reconvenes. To convict Duterte and remove her from office, at least 16 out of 24 senators must vote in favor of her impeachment. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpcsXPTfaZ0)

Public Reaction and Implications for the 2025 Elections

Public opinion remains sharply divided. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in December 2024 found that 41% of Filipinos supported the impeachment, 35% opposed it, and the rest were undecided. Support for impeachment was notably higher in Luzon, while Duterte maintained strong backing in her home region of Mindanao. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_of_Sara_Duterte)

As the nation approaches the crucial May 2025 midterm elections, the impeachment trial’s outcome could reshape the political landscape. If Duterte is removed from office, it will set a precedent for political accountability and governance in the Philippines. However, an acquittal could embolden her political influence, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes presidential run in 2028.

The coming months will be pivotal for Philippine democracy, with the Senate impeachment trial serving as the ultimate test of the nation’s commitment to justice, transparency, and constitutional integrity.

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