Tue Feb 18 05:31:27 UTC 2025: ## Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Challenges Impeachment in Supreme Court

**Manila, Philippines –** Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has filed a Supreme Court petition to nullify her impeachment proceedings, arguing the process was flawed and politically motivated. The House of Representatives, dominated by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., impeached Duterte on February 5th on charges including alleged plotting to assassinate the President and large-scale corruption.

Duterte’s lawyers contend the impeachment complaint was rushed through the House, preventing sufficient review by signatories. They argue the move is a politically driven attempt to eliminate her as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. A Senate trial, scheduled to begin in June, could remove her from office.

The impeachment complaint stems from Duterte’s November 2024 comments at an online news conference, where she stated she would have the President, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she were killed. While Duterte denies making a threat, the statement is central to the impeachment charges. She also faces accusations of misusing intelligence funds during her time as Vice President and Education Secretary.

The impeachment comes amid escalating political tension between Duterte and President Marcos. This rift follows the 2022 elections, where Duterte ran as Marcos’s vice-presidential running mate. The increasingly strained relationship has been marked by public criticisms from Marcos regarding his predecessor’s policies and actions. Adding to the volatile situation, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte’s father, recently faced criminal complaints following a campaign rally where he suggested killing 15 senators.

Read More