KUALA LUMPUR — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is facing an impeachment complaint filed on Monday, accusing her of constitutional violations, corruption, and issuing death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The complaint, lodged by opposition lawmakers and activists, alleges Duterte committed “high crimes,” citing threats that demonstrated her “mental incapacity, depravity, and unfitness” for office, the Associated Press reported.
“The same constitute not only betrayal of public trust but also a high crime which would warrant her immediate impeachment from office,” the complaint states.
Duterte, a 46-year-old lawyer, is also accused of unexplained wealth and enabling extra-judicial killings of drug suspects during her tenure as Davao City mayor, continuing policies initiated by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The impeachment complaint coincides with Duterte’s escalating feud with Marcos. During a November 23 press conference, she claimed to have contracted an assassin to target Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez if she were killed, later clarifying it was not a threat but a statement of concern.
Congress, dominated by Marcos’s allies, will review the complaint. The process could extend into the new year, with the legislative body’s Christmas recess starting on December 20.
The complaint also accuses Duterte of misusing 612.5 million pesos (£8.2 million) in confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as vice president and education secretary. She has resisted detailed questioning in hearings and protested when her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, was temporarily detained for allegedly obstructing the inquiry.
Philippine police have filed additional complaints against Duterte and her security team for assaulting authorities during the dispute over Lopez’s detention.
Marcos has dismissed the impeachment effort as a distraction from national challenges. However, Duterte’s critics argue it is necessary to uphold accountability and the rule of law.
Marcos and Duterte, allies in the 2022 election, have since clashed over issues including China’s South China Sea claims and the anti-drug crackdown led by Duterte’s father, which is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for potential crimes against humanity.
Duterte has accused Marcos and Romualdez of corruption and weak leadership, amid speculation about her potential presidential bid in 2028. – December 2, 2024