Vice President Sara Duterte of the Philippines has been impeached by the House of Representatives, facing allegations of public fund misuse and conspiracy against President Marcos. She will remain in office during the trial, which requires a two-thirds Senate vote for her removal. Political tensions have escalated between Duterte and Marcos, reigniting speculation about future elections.

The Philippine House of Representatives has impeached Vice President Sara Duterte after lawmakers endorsed a petition for her removal. Although the exact specifics remain undisclosed, the impeachment stems from allegations, including the misuse of public funds and claims regarding a conspiracy against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the impeachment is politically motivated.

The motion for impeachment passed with the backing of 215 representatives, qualifying it for Senate consideration, where two-thirds of the 24 senators must vote for her removal. Despite the impeachment process, Duterte will continue in her role as vice president until the proceedings conclude. She is now the fourth official in Philippine history to face impeachment.

Impeachment in the Philippines can occur due to violations of the Constitution, treason, bribery, corruption, high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. The timing of the House vote coincides with the impending midterm elections, which may influence the trajectory toward the 2028 presidential race.

Previously, President Marcos had urged Congress to refrain from impeachment actions against Duterte, suggesting such steps would distract from more critical legislative duties. Nevertheless, his administration has declared a stance of non-interference concerning the impeachment complaints.

The political alliance between Duterte and Marcos has frayed in recent months, leading to hostile exchanges. Duterte, who previously positioned herself for the presidency, has publicly accused Marcos of corruption and attempted suppression of her political ambitions as speculation regarding the 2028 election intensifies. Concurrently, she faces serious allegations of financial misconduct linked to her previous position as the head of the Department of Education.

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a significant political development in the Philippines, wherein top officials can be removed for various infractions. Duterte’s tenure has been overshadowed by accusations of mismanagement and political discord, especially following her support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. The impeachment process underscores ongoing tensions within the Philippine political landscape, as the country prepares for upcoming electoral contests.

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte is a pivotal event in Philippine politics, reflecting deep-seated conflicts within the current government. With accusations of impropriety and a rapidly changing political alliance, Duterte’s future now lies in the hands of the Senate. This unfolding drama will likely influence the political climate as the nation approaches midterm elections and eyes the next presidential race.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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