Philippine vice president impeached by lawmakers over suspected wealth and threats

The Philippine House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, with 257 lawmakers approving the move against her over suspected unexplained wealth and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The vote, which saw only 25 opposing and nine abstaining, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the country’s top officials. The impeachment complaints will now proceed to the Senate for trial, potentially derailing Duterte’s ambitions to run for president in 2028. The impeachment vote came as Senate President Vicente Sotto III was ousted by 13 senators, including allies of Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Sotto had previously vowed to immediately begin Duterte’s trial, but the leadership change may delay proceedings. Duterte’s legal team stated they were prepared to defend her, emphasizing the prosecution’s burden of proof. A dramatic scene unfolded in the Senate when Sen. Roland dela Rosa, a former police chief under Rodrigo Duterte, sought refuge in the chamber after months of absence. National Bureau of Investigation officers attempted to detain him but failed. The International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealed an arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday, accusing him of crimes against humanity for the murder of at least 32 individuals between 2016 and 2018 during the anti-drug campaign. Duterte has denied wrongdoing and accused Marcos, his wife, and cousin Martin Romualdez of corruption and political interference. She previously survived an impeachment bid last year. The political standoff highlights deep divisions within the Philippines’ leadership, with Duterte’s allies seeking to protect her while Marcos’ supporters push for accountability. The ICC’s warrant against dela Rosa adds another layer of complexity, as his presence in the Senate complicates potential enforcement efforts. The Philippines has yet to confirm whether it will cooperate with the ICC, leaving dela Rosa’s legal status uncertain. Meanwhile, the Senate’s shifting dynamics may further delay Duterte’s impeachment trial, prolonging the political stalemate.