Philippines - February 2025

On 5 February, lawmakers voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over several allegations, including for high-level corruption and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The development follows months of an escalating feud between Marcos and Duterte. The impeachment motion cited constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft, and other serious crimes. An investigation into the misuse of public funds related to Duterte's roles as vice president and former education secretary is ongoing. Duterte denies any wrongdoing and will remain in office until her Senate impeachment trial, likely set for July after the midterm elections. If convicted, she could be removed from office and barred from future government positions, though it is uncertain if this would lead to a criminal case requiring her to return public funds.

Sources: Rappler, Reuters, East Asia Forum