Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed on Friday she has been preparing for a potential impeachment trial since 2023 and is open to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, joining her defense team. The Senate trial, which Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri indicated could begin in June, follows her impeachment by the House of Representatives on charges of culpable constitutional violation, graft, corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
The impeachment stems from accusations that Duterte misused public funds as both vice president and education minister, accumulated unexplained wealth, and threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, stating: “I made no assassination threat. These allegations are politically motivated.”
Rodrigo Duterte’s Potential Role: Age and Political Clout in Question
While Sara Duterte welcomed her 79-year-old father’s involvement, she noted his advanced age might limit his role. Rodrigo Duterte, a former prosecutor and president (2016–2022), remains a polarizing figure. His participation could galvanize her base but risks inflaming tensions with the Marcos administration, given the long-standing political feud between the families.
Marcos vs Duterte: Heightened Tensions and Implications for Philippine Politics
The impeachment trial intensifies the rift between President Marcos and Duterte, once allies. Analysts warn the conflict could destabilize governance, with Duterte dismissing the charges as part of a broader “political witch hunt” to weaken her influence ahead of the 2025 elections.
Legal experts debate the strength of the evidence against Duterte, while public opinion remains divided. Pro-Duterte factions argue the trial is a “smear campaign”, while critics demand accountability for alleged abuses of power.
