Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte Impeached, President Distances Himself
Impeachment Process Underway
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has distanced himself from the impeachment of his estranged vice-president Sara Duterte, saying the executive branch of government cannot have a hand in it. Marcos made the remark a day after the lower house, led by his cousin, house speaker Martin Romualdez, impeached Duterte and set the stage for a rare, high-profile trial in the Senate.
Impeachment Complaint
The impeachment complaint was endorsed by 215 of 306 lawmakers, including the president’s son, Ilocos Norte congressman Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, who was the first to sign the complaint. The vice-president, who has been embroiled in a long-running row with former ally Marcos, has previously dismissed moves against her as politically motivated.
President’s Statement
“I do not give guidance to Congress,” Marcos told a press conference. “We leave it to the Congress now, specifically the Senate, to exercise their own wisdom.” “The Senate has no choice but to process the impeachment complaint,” Marcos said.
Charges Against Duterte
The complaint, which was sent to the Senate yesterday, charged Duterte with culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust. It stemmed from allegations Duterte misused public funds while vice-president and education minister, amassed unexplained wealth, and threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady and the lower house speaker.
Senate’s Role
Senate president Francis Escudero today said the Senate can only act on the impeachment complaint on June 2 when Congress resumes after midterm elections in May, when 12 of the upper house’s 24 seats will be decided. Escudero said the senators, who will act as judges in the trial, need to swear an oath while Congress is in session before they can convene as an impeachment court. “Legally, it cannot be done,” Escudero said.
Background
Sara Duterte is the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, the mercurial former mayor who was Philippine president from 2016-2022. She has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Duterte became the second-most-senior elected official in the Philippines to be impeached after former president Joseph Estrada in 2000.
Conclusion
The impeachment of Vice-President Sara Duterte marks a significant development in Philippine politics, with the Senate set to play a crucial role in the trial. As the process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Duterte will be able to clear her name and avoid removal from office.
FAQs
Q: Why was Vice-President Sara Duterte impeached?
A: Duterte was impeached on charges of culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust.
Q: What are the allegations against Duterte?
A: The allegations include misusing public funds while vice-president and education minister, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady and the lower house speaker.
Q: What is the next step in the impeachment process?
A: The Senate will act on the impeachment complaint on June 2 when Congress resumes after midterm elections in May.