Philippine Vice President Duterte Challenges Impeachment in Supreme Court

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-18 08:52:50 |

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 Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has petitioned the Supreme Court to annul her impeachment and block the upcoming Senate trial, arguing that the proceedings were constitutionally flawed and politically motivated. The House of Representatives, controlled by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., impeached Duterte on February 5, 2025, citing allegations of plotting to assassinate the president and large-scale corruption. The Senate is expected to commence the trial after Congress resumes on June 2.  

Through her lawyers, Duterte contends that the impeachment process was rushed, leaving House members insufficient time to review the complaint before it was forwarded to the Senate. Her legal team claims the move is part of a broader effort to eliminate her as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential elections, characterizing the impeachment as a form of political persecution.  

The charges against Duterte stem from remarks made during a November 23, 2024, online news conference, where she allegedly threatened to have President Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she were killed in their ongoing political conflict. She has denied any intent to threaten their lives. Additionally, she faces allegations of misusing intelligence funds both as vice president and as the former education secretary. However, she has yet to publicly respond in detail to the corruption accusations.  

Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, initially ran as Marcos’ running mate in the 2022 elections, but their alliance has since deteriorated. Their political rift deepened after Marcos began publicly criticizing his predecessor’s violent anti-drug campaign and lack of opposition to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.  If convicted in the Senate trial, Duterte would be barred from holding public office, significantly impacting her political future. Her legal challenge now rests with the Supreme Court, which will determine whether the impeachment process was legitimate or procedurally flawed.

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