Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 05-02-2025

The Philippine House of Representatives has impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, with legislators, many aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., endorsing a petition to remove her from office.

“Having been filed by more than one-third of the membership of the House of Representatives, or a total of 215 out of 306 members, … the motion is approved,” announced House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The matter now shifts to the Senate, where 24 senators will determine her fate. A two-thirds majority vote is required for her removal. While the trial date has yet to be scheduled, Duterte will retain her position as vice president throughout the proceedings.

Duterte is now the fourth official in Philippine history to face impeachment, following former President Joseph Estrada, a Supreme Court chief justice, and an ombudsman. Under Philippine law, high-ranking officials can be impeached for offenses such as constitutional violations, treason, bribery, corruption, or betrayal of public trust.

Although President Marcos had previously urged Congress to abandon the impeachment efforts, calling them a mere “storm in a teacup” that could distract lawmakers from their duties, his administration later clarified its stance.

From Political Allies to Adversaries

Sara Duterte, once seen as the natural successor to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, initially set aside her own presidential ambitions to run alongside Marcos in 2022. In November, Duterte made headlines with an explicit speech in which she claimed to have ordered someone to kill Marcos if she were ever assassinated. She has also accused Marcos and his wife of corruption, weak leadership, and attempts to silence her amid speculation about her potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential elections.

Meanwhile, she has faced serious allegations herself, including the alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in public funds. This controversy contributed to her resignation in June from her cabinet position as Secretary of Education. Additionally, she has been criticized for failing to take a strong stance against China regarding maritime disputes in the South China Sea.