In a significant escalation of political tensions in the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte is now confronting a fourth impeachment complaint, with 215 lawmakers in the House of Representatives confirming their support for the move. This latest development, combined with Senate President Chiz Escudero’s recent statements ruling out an impeachment trial during Congress’s current break, underscores the deepening divisions within the country’s political landscape. With allegations of financial misconduct at the heart of the complaints, the situation raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and the legacy of the Duterte family in Philippine politics.
A Growing Political Storm
The confirmation of the fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte marks a notable intensification of efforts to hold her accountable for alleged misuse of confidential funds. According to reports from the House of Representatives, 215 lawmakers have signed the latest complaint, a number that signals significant parliamentary backing for the move. This follows three earlier complaints lodged in December, which similarly accused Duterte of misappropriating millions of pesos in confidential funds and attempting to obscure details of their expenditure when challenged.
The allegations strike at the core of public trust in government spending, a perennial issue in Philippine politics where transparency often remains elusive. Confidential funds, intended for sensitive government operations, have long been a point of contention, with critics arguing they are prone to abuse without stringent oversight. For Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, these accusations carry additional weight, as they intersect with the controversial legacy of her father’s administration, known for its hardline policies and polarising rhetoric. 
Senate President Chiz Escudero, addressing the issue at a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, clarified that no impeachment trial could legally proceed during the current congressional adjournment. “Legally, it cannot be done,” Escudero stated, explaining that the Senate, which acts as the impeachment court, must be in session to convene formally for such proceedings. He further noted that the impeachment complaint has not yet been referred to the plenary, a necessary step before the Senate can assume its role as an impeachment court.
Escudero highlighted that the earliest opportunity to address the Articles of Impeachment would be on 2 June, when Congress resumes after the midterm elections. This timeline suggests a prolonged period of uncertainty, during which political tensions are likely to simmer. The Senate adjourned its session on Wednesday without discussing the impeachment documents, despite their receipt by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug at 5:49 p.m., just over an hour before the session closed.
The Duterte Legacy and Political Implications
Sara Duterte’s political career has been inextricably linked to her father’s tenure as president from 2016 to 2022. Rodrigo Duterte’s administration was marked by a contentious war on drugs, which drew both domestic support and international criticism for alleged human rights violations. Sara, who served as mayor of Davao City—a role her father held for decades—has often been seen as a continuation of the Duterte brand of governance, blending populist appeal with a firm stance on law and order. Her ascension to the vice presidency in 2022, alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was initially viewed as a unifying alliance between two powerful political dynasties. However, cracks in this partnership have since emerged, with analysts pointing to diverging interests and personal rivalries. The impeachment complaints against Duterte are widely interpreted as a manifestation of these underlying tensions, with some observers suggesting they reflect a broader struggle for political dominance ahead of future elections.
The allegations of financial impropriety, if pursued, could severely damage Duterte’s political standing. The misuse of confidential funds, as alleged in the complaints, raises questions about accountability mechanisms within the vice president’s office. While no formal charges have been proven, and Duterte has yet to respond publicly to the latest complaint, the sheer number of lawmakers backing the impeachment effort—215 in a chamber of around 300 members—indicates a formidable challenge to her position. Beyond the immediate implications for Duterte, the situation sheds light on the broader state of Philippine democracy. Impeachment, as a constitutional mechanism, is designed to ensure accountability among high-ranking officials. However, its frequent invocation in recent decades—against presidents, vice presidents, and Supreme Court justices—has led some critics to argue that it is increasingly wielded as a political weapon rather than a tool for justice. If the complaints against Duterte proceed to a Senate trial, the process will likely dominate national discourse, potentially deepening public polarisation.
Legal and Procedural Hurdles
The path to an impeachment trial is fraught with procedural complexities. Under the Philippine Constitution, the House of Representatives is responsible for initiating impeachment complaints, which must be supported by at least one-third of its members to be transmitted to the Senate. With 215 signatures, the latest complaint against Duterte surpasses this threshold, suggesting that the House could formally endorse the Articles of Impeachment when sessions resume. Once transmitted to the Senate, a two-thirds majority is required to convict and remove an official from office. This high bar means that even if the complaint reaches the trial stage, Duterte’s removal is far from guaranteed. The Senate’s composition, including alliances and political loyalties, will play a decisive role in the outcome. Escudero’s comments indicate that procedural formalities, such as the swearing-in of impeachment judges, cannot be bypassed during congressional breaks, further delaying any potential trial.
This delay could work in Duterte’s favour, providing time to rally political support and counter the allegations. However, it also prolongs the uncertainty surrounding her office, potentially undermining public confidence in the vice presidency. For ordinary Filipinos, the spectacle of impeachment proceedings—often televised and heavily covered by media—may reinforce perceptions of elite infighting at the expense of addressing pressing national issues like poverty, inflation, and infrastructure development.
Public Sentiment and Regional Context
Public opinion on the impeachment complaints appears divided, reflecting the broader polarisation of Philippine society. Supporters of Duterte argue that the allegations are politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing her family’s legacy and weakening her position ahead of future elections. Critics, however, contend that the complaints highlight systemic issues of transparency and accountability, which must be addressed regardless of political affiliations. In the wider South East Asian context, the Philippines’ political drama stands out against a backdrop of varying governance models. Unlike neighbouring countries such as Vietnam, where political stability is maintained through a single-party system, or Thailand, where military influence often shapes political outcomes, the Philippines operates a robust, if sometimes chaotic, democratic framework. Impeachment proceedings, while rare in the region, are a testament to the checks and balances embedded in the Philippine system, even if their execution is often mired in partisan politics.
For global observers, the situation also raises questions about the durability of political dynasties in democratic settings. The Duterte family’s enduring influence, mirrored by the Marcos family’s resurgence, illustrates the challenges of dismantling entrenched power structures. If Sara Duterte weathers this storm, her political capital could strengthen, positioning her as a formidable contender in future national elections. Conversely, a conviction or sustained damage to her reputation could signal a shift in the balance of power.
What Lies Ahead
As the impeachment process unfolds, several factors will shape its trajectory. The midterm elections, scheduled before the June resumption of Congress, could alter the political landscape, influencing both House and Senate dynamics. Additionally, public response to the allegations—whether through protests, media campaigns, or social media sentiment—will likely pressure lawmakers on both sides of the debate. For now, Vice President Sara Duterte remains in a precarious position, facing serious allegations that strike at the heart of her political credibility. While the legal and procedural constraints outlined by Senate President Escudero ensure that no immediate trial will occur, the specter of impeachment looms large over her tenure. The coming months will test not only Duterte’s resilience but also the strength of the Philippines’ democratic institutions in navigating this high-stakes political crisis.
The allegations, if substantiated, could have far-reaching consequences for governance and public trust. Yet, if they are dismissed or proven baseless, they risk reinforcing perceptions of impunity among the political elite. Either way, the fourth impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte is a pivotal moment in Philippine politics, one that will resonate far beyond the halls of Congress.
