Philippine House Impeaches Vice President Sara Duterte for Second Time
The Philippine House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Monday to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte for the second time, with 257 lawmakers approving the move. The impeachment sends four articles of charges to the Senate for trial, though political maneuvering by Duterte allies has complicated the proceedings.
Impeachment Vote Succeeds
The Philippine House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte for the second time, with 257 out of 318 House members voting to impeach Duterte, far surpassing the one‑third threshold required to send the complaint to the Philippine Senate. A total of 26 members voted against the impeachment, while nine abstained.
Charges Against Duterte
Lawmakers cited allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. One of the most damning allegations in the complaint against the vice president includes private bank transactions flagged by the anti-money laundering agency of more than $110m.
Political Implications
Allies of Philippines' Vice President Sara Duterte took power in the Senate on Monday, giving them control over the chamber that will conduct her impeachment trial as the House of Representatives voted to move forward with the bid to oust her. Majority of senators backed the leadership change, and then installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president. The political maneuver came as the House approved a second impeachment case against Duterte, sending a strong signal that the trial could be stalled or lead to an acquittal.
Historical Significance
Vice President Sara Duterte made history by becoming the first Philippine official to be impeached twice.