Manila: Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has faced renewed impeachment complaints filed by civil society groups and activists, accusing the Philippine vice president of serious misconduct including corruption, misuse of public funds and abuse of authority.
The vice president, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, survived a similar impeachment bid last year after the Supreme Court ruled that the complaints violated constitutional safeguards. Despite that setback, rights groups and left-leaning organisations have returned with two new filings that echo earlier accusations while adding renewed pressure on the administration.
The complainants have alleged that Duterte misused public funds, engaged in bribery linked to government contracts and ignored congressional oversight. They have also cited past remarks in which Duterte allegedly threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady and a former House speaker. Duterte has previously rejected all allegations, maintaining that the accusations are politically motivated.
A lawyer representing the vice president has said that the latest move was expected and that Duterte is prepared to address the claims through constitutional processes. The vice president has not issued a direct public response following the new filings.
The impeachment effort has unfolded against the backdrop of a deepening rift between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, once political allies. Marcos, who is barred from seeking re-election due to term limits, is widely expected to support a successor in 2028, with analysts viewing Duterte as a major rival in the race for national leadership.
Unlike last year, the new complaints must navigate additional procedural hurdles imposed by the Supreme Court. These rules are expected to make impeachment more difficult, particularly after midterm elections strengthened the presence of Duterte allies in the Senate, whose members act as jurors in impeachment trials.
Meanwhile, Marcos has also faced a separate impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives. The presidential communications office has said impeachment matters are for Congress to decide, reiterating support for due process and the rule of law.
The renewed impeachment push has underscored the volatile nature of Philippine politics, with accountability efforts, institutional constraints and electoral ambitions colliding well ahead of the next presidential contest.
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