Public hearings on the impeachment case against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte have begun in Congress. The trial marks a significant escalation in the ongoing feud between the Duterte and Marcos political dynasties.
Sara Duterte, 47, is accused of misusing public funds and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She denies all allegations, calling the hearings a political 'fishing expedition.'
Duterte and Marcos formed a powerful political alliance for the 2022 elections, winning by a landslide. However, their relationship has since unraveled as they pursue different political agendas. The vice president's role is largely ceremonial, but her political ambitions are clear.
The impeachment process, under Philippine law, requires the House to approve the Articles of Impeachment, which would then be tried in the Senate. A two-thirds majority is needed for conviction, which would remove Duterte from office and bar her from future elections.
Sara Duterte's political future is on the line. If convicted, she will be disqualified from running for president in 2028. Current polls show her with a 55% approval rating, compared to President Marcos's 36%. The 2025 mid-term elections also favored Duterte's allies over Marcos's.
If Duterte survives impeachment, she could emerge stronger. However, prolonged televised proceedings may affect public support.
The outcome of the impeachment trial will have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Philippines beyond 2028.