Philippines Vice President Faces Second Impeachment Bid
At least 74 left-wing complainants, including human rights and labor leaders, filed a new impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. The complaint followed a similar motion lodged earlier in the week, focusing on a recent public threat against the president. The filing shines a spotlight on the escalating power struggle between the political clans of Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Public Funds Mismanaged, Accusations Fly
Wednesday’s motion centered on a “betrayal of public trust” alleging the misappropriation of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million), within a specific category labelled “confidential funds”. The complainants demanded that Duterte be permanently barred from office. This is the second impeachment filing against her in as many days.
Duterte is the 46-year-old daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The earlier complaint concerned 24 alleged crimes and irregularities involving corruption and misconduct, ranging from campaign finance irregularities to the mishandling of the Miss Universe pageant.
On Monday, closing arguments in the first impeachment complaint.
It alleged she was involved in her father’s controversial crackdown on illegal drugs, a controversial policy now under investigation by the International Criminal Court.
"alt: "Philippene activists"
[Aaron Favila/AP Photo]
A Mesh of Accusations
Use NetherlandaPidvinot+threaten
p>The recent filings come amidst a public feud between the two leaders. The vice president publicly threatened to have the President killed, though she later clarified that her words were meant as a protective measure, meant to be activated only if she were herself threatened with assassination.
The vice president’s office was accused of splashing out 125 million pesos – equivalent to $2 million– over 11 days during the Christmas holidays. Unknown “safe houses”, and other unspecified confidential spending.
“The impeachment is the antidote to impunity,” said Renato Reyes from the left-wing Bayan group. “
The impeachment complaints will be reviewed by the House of Representatives, dominated by loyalists to Marcos and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The latter was also targeted by Duterte in her death threat.
What are the specific allegations against Vice President Duterte in the second impeachment complaint?
## Philippines Vice President Faces Second Impeachment Bid: An Interview
**Host**: Joining us today to discuss the recent impeachment bid against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is political analyst Dr. Maria Santos. Welcome to the show, Dr. Santos.
**Dr. Santos**: Thank you for having me.
**Host**: Vice President Duterte is facing her second impeachment complaint within a short span of time. What can you tell us about the latest allegations?
**Dr. Santos**: This recent filing centers around the alleged misuse of “confidential funds” amounting to 612.5 million pesos, which is roughly $10.3 million. A group of 74 left-wing complainants, including human rights and labor leaders, are accusing her of betraying public trust. The complainants are demanding that Vice President Duterte be permanently barred from holding office. [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/4/second-impeachment-bid-filed-against-philippines-vp-duterte)]
**Host**: This comes on the heels of an earlier impeachment motion filed earlier this week. What was the basis for that complaint?
**Dr. Santos**: The previous complaint focused on a public threat Vice President Duterte made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This has fueled speculation about a growing power struggle between the Duterte and Marcos political families.
**Host**: How likely is it that these impeachment motions will succeed?
**Dr. Santos**: It’s still too early to say. The process is complex and will require significant political maneuvering. However, the back-to-back impeachment bids clearly indicate deep-seated dissatisfaction with Vice President Duterte’s actions and raise serious questions about her political future.
**Host**: Thank you so much for shedding light on this developing situation, Dr. Santos. It’s certainly a story we’ll be following closely.
