In Manila, Philippines, the Senate stepped into the role of an impeachment court on Tuesday concerning Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces allegations of corruption and other criminal activities. However, the senators decided to return the set of complaints to the House of Representatives due to unspecified legal quandaries. This decision, met by protest from activists gathered outside the Senate building, involved 18 senators, including Senate President Chiz Escudero, opting to revert the complaint rather than advancing with an immediate trial. Only five senators opposed this move.
Outside the legislative building, criticism poured in as demonstrators rebuked Escudero and the supporting senators for their choice, which effectively postpones Duterte’s impeachment trial. The final impact of their decision on the overall case remains uncertain at this time. Senator Risa Hontiveros, advocating for a prompt trial, contended that the constitution does not permit a “remand” or “return” of the complaint, emphasizing that their responsibility lies in conducting a trial and reaching a decision.
Escudero assured that the return of the impeachment complaint to the House was not tantamount to its dismissal. He further cemented this point by issuing a formal summons for Duterte to appear before the Senate once the trial takes place. The House had impeached Duterte in February on multiple charges, including an alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and involvement in large-scale corruption.
Duterte’s impeachment has sparked conflict, particularly with legislators who support President Marcos, highlighting tensions within the nation’s political landscape. Allies of the Vice President argue that the impeachment process was a constitutional overreach, motivated by a desire to hinder her potential presidential ambitions in 2028, following the conclusion of Marcos’ term.
Vice President Duterte, aged 47, is notably the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The elder Duterte has been apprehended and sent to The Netherlands, where he faces accusations at the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity. These charges relate to deadly anti-drug campaigns he implemented during his presidency. The ICC, based in The Hague, had previously instructed Interpol, the international police organization, to arrest him.