THE Philippine political landscape is in turmoil as Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached by the lower House of Congress, the first vice president in the country’s history to face impeachment.
The House of Representatives approved her impeachment on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, during the last session before a four-month break leading to the national and local elections.
However, the impeachment does not immediately remove her from office. The Senate trial is set to begin in June — one month after the elections — leaving her position intact until a final verdict is reached.
Duterte-Marcos rift: From allies to adversaries
The rift between Duterte and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has been brewing for months. Initially, the two were political allies under the UniTeam alliance, which led them to a landslide victory in the 2022 elections.
Duterte, who was widely encouraged to run for president, instead chose to become Marcos' running mate and was later appointed as Education secretary, despite preferring the Defense portfolio.
Cracks in their alliance began to show when Duterte resigned as chairperson of Lakas-CMD in May 2023, following the demotion of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the House of Representatives.
Duterte also openly criticized House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos' cousin, further fueling the tension.
Confidential funds controversy and budget clashes
The conflict escalated in September 2023 when Duterte requested P500 million in confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P150 million for the Department of Education (DepEd).
Lawmakers questioned the necessity of these funds, particularly after a Commission on Audit (COA) report revealed that the OVP spent P125 million in confidential funds in just 11 days in 2022.
Amid mounting criticism, Duterte withdrew her request, calling it "divisive."
Opposition to Charter change and fallout with the Marcoses
In early 2024, Duterte publicly opposed the Marcos administration’s push for Constitutional amendments, further alienating herself from the ruling coalition.
She attended a rally in Davao City alongside her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, where they accused the Marcos administration of attempting to extend their term.
By June 2024, Duterte resigned as Education secretary, distancing herself further from the Marcos administration.
In a tell-all interview, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos revealed that tensions had been rising since Rodrigo Duterte accused the president of drug use.
The First Lady also criticized Sara for laughing at a rally where Marcos was mocked, deepening the animosity between the two camps.
Allegations of political harassment
In July 2024, Duterte was absent from Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (Sona), claiming she had appointed herself as the "designated survivor"—a term typically used in US presidential succession planning.
The following day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) removed 75 officers from her security detail, reducing her security team of 400 personnel to around 300.
Duterte called the move "political harassment," while the PNP cited the lack of credible threats against her.
Public criticism
In August 2024, Duterte intensified her criticism of the Marcos administration, blaming it for failures in disaster response, law enforcement, healthcare, and other national concerns.
She also accused the Marcos family of manipulating the national budget and alleged their involvement in the assassination of former Senator Ninoy Aquino.
First wave of impeachment complaints
By December 2024, multiple impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte:
December 2: The first complaint accused her of graft, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes, including alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings and failure to take a strong stance on the South China Sea dispute.
December 4: A second complaint by 70 activists cited the misuse of confidential funds.
December 19: A third complaint was filed by religious groups, lawyers, and civil society workers, further escalating the political crisis.
Assassination threat allegations
The controversy reached a boiling point when Duterte, during a heated online press conference, claimed she had spoken to a contract killer about targeting Marcos, First Lady Liza, and Speaker Romualdez in case she was assassinated.
The administration condemned this as a direct threat against the government. Duterte later downplayed her remarks as an expression of fear for her safety rather than a serious threat.
On November 26, 2024, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) subpoenaed Duterte regarding her assassination remarks. Marcos, for the first time, publicly criticized her, stating she should be held accountable for her words.
Despite this, he dismissed the idea of pushing for her impeachment, calling her "unimportant" and arguing that such proceedings would be a distraction.
4th impeachment
On February 5, 2025, an impeachment complaint against the vice president was signed by 215 members of the House of Representatives, surpassing the constitutional threshold of 102 signatures (one-third of the House).
The charges against Duterte include corruption, conspiracy to assassinate the president, involvement in extrajudicial killings, and incitement to insurrection and public disorder.
With the required signatures met, the complaint was transmitted directly to the Senate as formal Articles of Impeachment without requiring a plenary vote.
Just two days later, on February 7, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed that an additional 25 lawmakers had signed in support of the impeachment, bringing the total to 240.
This marks the fourth impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, but it is the first to gain significant traction.
Who signed?
A total of 215 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint against Duterte on February 5, 2025. Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte–1st), who is also the son of President Bongbong Marcos, was the first to affix his signature; House Speaker Martin Romualdez was the last.
It was noted that 41 out of 60 lawmakers from Mindanao voted to impeach the vice president. In the Duterte family's home region of Davao, only John Tracy Cagas (Davao del Sur) signed the vice president's impeachment.
On the following day, 25 more legislators, who were previously not physically present, affixed their signatures.
Marcos denied the executive’s role in the impeachment. He earlier admitted talking to lawmakers at the House urging them not to pursue an impeachment case against Duterte as it would not be beneficial to the Filipino people.
As to Sandro signing the impeachment, Marcos said his son asked for his opinion on the matter.
Meanwhile, the young Marcos said it should not come as a surprise that he was the first to sign the impeachment complaint against the vice president.
"Alangan naman kung sasabihin ng tao na gusto silang hukayin yung lolo mo at itapon ‘yung katawan sa West Philippine Sea, sasabihin niya gusto niyang patayin ang Pangulo at ang First Lady na aking [mga] magulang at gusto niyang patayin ang Speaker, eh bakit naman nagugulat ang tao na pipirma ko diyan?" Sandro said.
Meanwhile, Cagas has not publicly explained his reason for signing the impeachment.
The Articles of Impeachment
A two-thirds vote in the Senate is required to convict and remove Duterte from office. The impeachment complaint outlines seven key charges:
Conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds, citing questionable liquidation documents.
Bribery and corruption in the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure, involving high-ranking officials such as former DepEd Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Bids and Awards Committee Member Resty Osias, Chief Accountant Rhunna Catalan, and Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda.
Unexplained wealth — allegedly failing to disclose assets in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), with her wealth increasing fourfold from 2007 to 2017.
Involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City, linked to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s, war on drugs and the infamous Davao Death Squad.
Destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder, including boycotting the State of the Nation Address (Sona), declaring herself a "designated survivor," leading protests calling for Marcos’ resignation, obstructing congressional investigations, and making threats against key political figures.
The totality of her conduct as Vice President, which lawmakers argue is unbecoming of the second-highest official in the country.
Impeachment Court
The House formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on February 5, just before Congress adjourned for a four-month break.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug received the documents at 5:49 p.m., but they were not discussed before the session ended at 7 p.m.
Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that while the Senate is constitutionally obligated to convene as an impeachment court, no schedule has been set.
The Senate is set to resume on June 2, 2025, but Escudero insists that the trial cannot legally begin until the chamber is in session.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel warned that the impeachment process could be impacted by the May 12, 2025, midterm elections, as the terms of 12 senators will end on June 30.
If the trial starts on June 2, the Senate will have only six session days before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 13, making it likely that the 20th Congress will handle the trial.
House Prosecution Panel
The House of Representatives appointed 11 prosecutors to present the case against Duterte before the Senate:
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro
Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop
1-Rider Rep. Rodge Gutierrez
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua
Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon
General Santos Rep. Loreto Acharon
House Minority Leader and 4Ps Rep. Marcelino Libanan
Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan
San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora
Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor
Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores
Senate President Escudero is expected to preside over the trial.
‘Mas masakit pa makipag-break’
Vice President Duterte shrugged off the impeachment complaint, making light of the situation in a press conference on February 7:
"Alam ninyo, mas masakit pa maiwanan ng boyfriend o girlfriend kaysa ma-impeach ka ng House of Representatives."
When asked if she felt betrayed, she responded: "Actually wala akong feelings. Wala akong feelings about it."
She also downplayed political alliances, claiming she has no deep political friendships, which she believes made it easy for lawmakers to impeach her.
Legal defense and family support
Duterte revealed that her legal team has been preparing for this battle since November 2023, when ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro first raised the issue of impeachment.
She also claimed overwhelming support from lawyers willing to defend her.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly stated that he will serve as her lawyer, though she expressed concern about his age.
‘God Save the Philippines’
In her official statement, Duterte thanked her supporters and lamented the state of the country:
"Napag-iwanan na tayo ng panahon at mga kapitbahay natin sa rehiyon at mundo… sobrang lala."
She criticized the economy and the struggles of ordinary Filipinos, stating that many have lost hope and are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
What’s next?
As the Senate trial looms in June 2025, the Philippines is bracing for one of the most significant political battles in its history.
The impeachment pits two of the country's most powerful political clans — the Marcoses and the Dutertes — against each other, intensifying the already volatile political landscape ahead of the elections.
Whether the Senate will convict and remove Duterte remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Philippine politics is entering uncharted territory.
4th impeachment
On February 5, 2025, an impeachment complaint against the vice president was signed by 215 members of the House of Representatives, surpassing the constitutional threshold of 102 signatures (one-third of the House).
The charges against Duterte include corruption, conspiracy to assassinate the president, involvement in extrajudicial killings, and incitement to insurrection and public disorder.
With the required signatures met, the complaint was transmitted directly to the Senate as formal Articles of Impeachment without requiring a plenary vote.
Just two days later, on February 7, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed that an additional 25 lawmakers had signed in support of the impeachment, bringing the total to 240.
This marks the fourth impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, but it is the first to gain significant traction.
Who signed?
A total of 215 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint against Duterte on February 5, 2025. Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte–1st), who is also the son of President Bongbong Marcos, was the first to affix his signature; House Speaker Martin Romualdez was the last.
It was noted that 41 out of 60 lawmakers from Mindanao voted to impeach the vice president. In the Duterte family's home region of Davao, only John Tracy Cagas (Davao del Sur) signed the vice president's impeachment.
On the following day, 25 more legislators, who were previously not physically present, affixed their signatures.
Marcos denied the executive’s role in the impeachment. He earlier admitted talking to lawmakers at the House urging them not to pursue an impeachment case against Duterte as it would not be beneficial to the Filipino people.
As to Sandro signing the impeachment, Marcos said his son asked for his opinion on the matter.
Meanwhile, the young Marcos said it should not come as a surprise that he was the first to sign the impeachment complaint against the vice president.
"Alangan naman kung sasabihin ng tao na gusto silang hukayin yung lolo mo at itapon ‘yung katawan sa West Philippine Sea, sasabihin niya gusto niyang patayin ang Pangulo at ang First Lady na aking [mga] magulang at gusto niyang patayin ang Speaker, eh bakit naman nagugulat ang tao na pipirma ko diyan?" Sandro said.
Meanwhile, Cagas has not publicly explained his reason for signing the impeachment.
The Articles of Impeachment
A two-thirds vote in the Senate is required to convict and remove Duterte from office. The impeachment complaint outlines seven key charges:
Conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds, citing questionable liquidation documents.
Bribery and corruption in the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure, involving high-ranking officials such as former DepEd Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Bids and Awards Committee Member Resty Osias, Chief Accountant Rhunna Catalan, and Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda.
Unexplained wealth — allegedly failing to disclose assets in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), with her wealth increasing fourfold from 2007 to 2017.
Involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City, linked to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s, war on drugs and the infamous Davao Death Squad.
Destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder, including boycotting the State of the Nation Address (Sona), declaring herself a "designated survivor," leading protests calling for Marcos’ resignation, obstructing congressional investigations, and making threats against key political figures.
The totality of her conduct as Vice President, which lawmakers argue is unbecoming of the second-highest official in the country.
Impeachment Court
The House formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on February 5, just before Congress adjourned for a four-month break.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug received the documents at 5:49 p.m., but they were not discussed before the session ended at 7 p.m.
Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that while the Senate is constitutionally obligated to convene as an impeachment court, no schedule has been set.
The Senate is set to resume on June 2, 2025, but Escudero insists that the trial cannot legally begin until the chamber is in session.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel warned that the impeachment process could be impacted by the May 12, 2025, midterm elections, as the terms of 12 senators will end on June 30.
If the trial starts on June 2, the Senate will have only six session days before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 13, making it likely that the 20th Congress will handle the trial.
House Prosecution Panel
The House of Representatives appointed 11 prosecutors to present the case against Duterte before the Senate:
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro
Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop
1-Rider Rep. Rodge Gutierrez
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua
Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon
General Santos Rep. Loreto Acharon
House Minority Leader and 4Ps Rep. Marcelino Libanan
Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan
San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora
Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor
Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores
Senate President Escudero is expected to preside over the trial.
‘Mas masakit pa makipag-break’
Vice President Duterte shrugged off the impeachment complaint, making light of the situation in a press conference on February 7:
"Alam ninyo, mas masakit pa maiwanan ng boyfriend o girlfriend kaysa ma-impeach ka ng House of Representatives."
When asked if she felt betrayed, she responded: "Actually wala akong feelings. Wala akong feelings about it."
She also downplayed political alliances, claiming she has no deep political friendships, which she believes made it easy for lawmakers to impeach her.
Legal defense and family support
Duterte revealed that her legal team has been preparing for this battle since November 2023, when ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro first raised the issue of impeachment.
She also claimed overwhelming support from lawyers willing to defend her.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly stated that he will serve as her lawyer, though she expressed concern about his age.
‘God Save the Philippines’
In her official statement, Duterte thanked her supporters and lamented the state of the country:
"Napag-iwanan na tayo ng panahon at mga kapitbahay natin sa rehiyon at mundo… sobrang lala."
She criticized the economy and the struggles of ordinary Filipinos, stating that many have lost hope and are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
What’s next?
As the Senate trial looms in June 2025, the Philippines is bracing for one of the most significant political battles in its history.
The impeachment pits two of the country's most powerful political clans — the Marcoses and the Dutertes — against each other, intensifying the already volatile political landscape ahead of the elections.
Whether the Senate will convict and remove Duterte remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Philippine politics is entering uncharted territory. RGL