An impeachment complaint was lodged against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, citing a range of allegations including a death threat against the president, involvement in extra-judicial killings, corruption, and failure to address Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
The complaint, filed by civil society activists in the House of Representatives, accuses Duterte of violating the country's Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. It specifically mentions death threats made by Duterte against the president, his wife, and the speaker of the House.
The complaint also accuses Duterte of having unexplained wealth, continuing extra-judicial killings of drug suspects initiated by her father during her tenure as mayor of Davao City, and mental incapacity unfitting for the office of vice president.
The legal troubles facing Duterte have intensified amid a political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his allies. Duterte had previously mentioned hiring an assassin to target Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker, a statement she later clarified as a safety concern rather than a threat.
The impeachment process will be reviewed by the Philippine Congress, where allies of Marcos and his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, hold sway. The investigation could span several weeks or months, with Congress set to recess for Christmas and resume in January.
Recent inquiries have focused on alleged misuse of confidential funds during Duterte's tenure as vice president and education secretary. Duterte has faced scrutiny in televised hearings and clashes with authorities over the investigation.
Despite calls from opponents for accountability and the rule of law, President Marcos has expressed concerns about the impeachment process diverting attention from pressing national issues. The rift between Duterte and Marcos stems from differing stances on China's territorial claims and the anti-drug campaign initiated by Duterte's father.
The impeachment complaint also highlights Duterte's alleged failure to condemn Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and her purported role in allowing extra-judicial killings to persist in Davao City. The complaint references former police officer Arturo Lascanas as a key witness to the drug-related killings.
