Philippine VP Sara Duterte Hit with Fresh Impeachment Complaints Over Corruption Allegations

MANILA — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is confronting a fresh political firestorm as activist groups lodged two separate impeachment complaints against her on Monday. The filings, submitted to the House of Representatives, allege large-scale corruption and abuse of power, marking the latest chapter in the contentious career of a figure once seen as a frontrunner for the presidency in 2028.

The complaints focus primarily on the alleged illegal use and mishandling of 612.5 million pesos (approximately $10.3 million) in confidential funds allocated to her office and during her concurrent tenure as education secretary. These allegations, which were previously examined by a House committee dominated by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., have resurfaced after an initial impeachment bid against Duterte was nullified by the Supreme Court last year on procedural grounds.

Duterte, a 47-year-old lawyer and former mayor, is the daughter of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, whose brutal anti-drug campaign remains under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The vice president has publicly blamed President Marcos—once a political ally—for what she termed the "illegal arrest and kidnapping" of her father by the ICC last year, alleging a coordinated effort to derail her own political future.

"We are prepared to confront these allegations squarely through the proper constitutional processes," stated Michael Poa, the vice president's legal counsel. "We are confident that a fair review will show these accusations lack factual and legal basis."

Beyond the confidential funds, one complaint accuses Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth, prompting a separate criminal probe by anti-graft prosecutors. It also cites a controversial remark she made in a November 2024 online briefing, where she suggested that if she were killed amid political disputes, an assassin should target President Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker.

The complaint asserts that Duterte has "repeatedly and brazenly conducted herself in a manner that strikes at the very foundations of constitutional order," constituting "grave abuses of power and a sustained betrayal of the public trust."

This new offensive arrives amid a broader climate of political recrimination. President Marcos himself is facing two impeachment complaints in the House, alleging corruption in infrastructure budgeting. Duterte has called for his investigation and imprisonment over the issue, highlighting the severe rupture in their once-powerful alliance.

The previous impeachment attempt against Duterte was halted not on merits, but because the Supreme Court ruled the House violated a constitutional rule limiting it to one impeachment case per official per year. This technicality has allowed the allegations to return, ensuring that the legal and political battle will continue to dominate the Philippine agenda.

Voices from the Ground

"This isn't just about Sara; it's about holding an entire system accountable," says Professor Elena Santos, a political analyst at the University of the Philippines. "The cyclical nature of these complaints—dismissed on technicalities only to return—underscores a dysfunctional political process where legal maneuvers often outweigh substantive justice."

"It's a blatant witch hunt by the Marcos camp to eliminate their strongest rival," argues Miguel Torres, a small business owner and Duterte supporter in Davao City. "They're terrified of her 2028 prospects. These complaints are recycled garbage, a political tool, not a pursuit of truth."

"Enough is enough!" exclaims Anya Reyes, a student activist with the group that filed one of the complaints. "The arrogance of power is on full display—from the unexplained millions to the violent rhetoric. This impeachment is a democratic imperative. We cannot normalize corruption and threats of assassination from our second-highest official."

"The market is watching this instability closely," notes David Chen, a financial consultant based in Manila. "Prolonged political warfare at the highest levels creates policy uncertainty, which can deter investment and slow economic momentum. A swift and credible resolution is in the national interest."