Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte Impeached Amid Assassination Allegations

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Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives over serious accusations, including plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The impeachment deepens an ongoing political rift between Duterte and Marcos, with many legislators backing the move perceiving it as a response to her alleged misconduct, officials reported on February 6.

The impeachment charges stem from several accusations: a death threat against Marcos and his wife, misuse of approximately PHP 612.5 million (around USD 11 million) in confidential funds, and her failure to oppose China’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. According to House secretary-general Reginald Velasco, over 215 legislators signed the complaint, surpassing the required number to fast-track the case to the Senate for trial.

Duterte’s brother, Paolo Duterte, condemned the impeachment as “political persecution,” while she has not publicly commented on the matter. The controversy follows a previously strong alliance between the two leaders, which has unraveled since taking office, revealing deep-seated divisions within the country’s political landscape, marked by a turbulent history of strongman leadership.

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