Philippine Vice President Faces Impeachment Over Death Threats, Corruption Allegations

An impeachment complaint was filed Monday against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing a legal storm over a death threat she made against the President and her alleged role in extra-judicial killings of drug suspects, corruption and failure to stand up to Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea.

The complaint, lodged by civil society activists in the House of Representatives, alleges constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and “high crimes.” Rep. Percival Cendana, who endorsed the motion, described it as a step to “end the nightmare” brought on by Duterte’s leadership.

The filing follows Duterte’s controversial claim during a Nov. 23 online briefing that she had hired an assassin to kill President Marcos, his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were harmed. She later clarified that her statement was not a direct threat but a reflection of personal safety concerns.

The Vice President, 46, also faces allegations of unexplained wealth and mismanagement of ₱612.5 million ($10.3 million) in confidential funds while serving as both Vice President and education secretary.

Her critics accuse her of perpetuating the violent anti-drug policies of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, during her tenure as Davao City mayor. The complaint includes testimony from former police officer Arturo Lascanas, who alleged Sara Duterte permitted extrajudicial killings in the city.

Political Fallout and Congressional Proceedings

The impeachment process comes amid an escalating feud between Duterte and President Marcos, who were once running mates in the 2022 elections but are now political adversaries. Their disagreements over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and the Duterte administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign have deepened the rift.

The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos allies, will evaluate the complaint. With Congress’s Christmas recess looming, discussions may extend into 2025, coinciding with the campaign period for May’s midterm elections.

President Marcos has dismissed the impeachment as a distraction but pledged to prioritize national challenges. Meanwhile, Duterte’s opponents insist on fostering accountability.

The legal scrutiny also extends to Duterte’s security staff, who face criminal complaints for an altercation in Congress over the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez.

Security and National Concerns

The National Bureau of Investigation has subpoenaed Duterte regarding her threats, while security for the Marcos family has been heightened. The case also highlights Duterte’s alleged failure to address Chinese aggression in Philippine waters, an issue central to the administration’s foreign policy.

As the controversy unfolds, public attention remains divided between the ongoing impeachment bid and the broader implications for governance in the Philippines.

Philippine Vice President Faces Impeachment Over Death Threats, Corruption Allegations