The political turbulence in the Philippines intensified on Monday as civil society activists filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and “high crimes.”
At the center of the controversy are shocking allegations that Duterte issued death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The complaint describes her alleged actions as evidence of “depravity” and questions her “mental fitness” to remain in office.
“The same constitute not only betrayal of public trust but also a high crime which would warrant her immediate impeachment from office,” the complaint reads.
The allegations stem from Duterte’s November 23 social media post, where she claimed to have hired an assassin to kill Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez if she were harmed. Duterte later insisted her statement was about concerns for her safety, not a direct threat, but the post has drawn widespread backlash and raised serious questions about her conduct.
Accusations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Duterte’s troubles extend beyond the incendiary remarks.
She is also under scrutiny for alleged unexplained wealth and the misuse of โฑ612.5 million ($10.3 million) in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to her offices as Vice President and former Education Secretary. The funds, investigators allege, have been inadequately accounted for, leading to tense televised hearings.
Adding to the controversy, Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, was briefly detained for allegedly obstructing the inquiry. Although Lopez was released from hospital detention, Duterte has largely avoided detailed responses to the accusations, fueling further speculation.
Legacy of Violence and Extrajudicial Killings
The impeachment complaint also resurrects longstanding allegations of Duterteโs involvement in extrajudicial killings during her tenure as mayor of Davao City, a position once held by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Former police officer Arturo Lascaรฑas testified that Duterte enabled these killings, a grim legacy of her fatherโs notorious anti-drug campaign.
The countryโs brutal war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths, has faced international condemnation, including from the International Criminal Court. Duterteโs alleged complicity in these acts casts a dark shadow over her political career.
A Nation Divided
The impeachment complaint marks a dramatic turn in the increasingly fraught relationship between Duterte and President Marcos. Once allies in their 2022 electoral triumph, the two leaders now stand divided on key issues, from their handling of Chinaโs territorial claims in the South China Sea to the controversial anti-drug campaign.
The process is expected to stretch into 2024, with Congress adjourning for its Christmas recess on December 20. President Marcos has dismissed the calls for impeachment as a “waste of time,” while Duterteโs opponents insist on accountability, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
As the nation watches this high-stakes political drama unfold, the implications for the Philippinesโ governance and rule of law remain uncertain, leaving both supporters and critics of Duterte anxiously awaiting the next chapter.
