A deepening political feud between Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his Presidential, Sara Duterte, has culminated in a historic impeachment. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to impeach Duterte, marking the first time a sitting Presidential in the post-EDSA People Power era has faced such proceedings. This event signifies a dramatic rupture in their once-powerful “UniTeam” alliance.
The impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte hinges on several serious allegations. These include culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption. Specifically, lawmakers scrutinized her rapid spending of P125 million (approximately $2.1 million USD) in confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) within just 11 days of assuming office in 2022, a move critics argue breached fiscal protocols.
Beyond financial impropriety, more politically charged accusations have surfaced, including allegations of her involvement in a supposed assassination plot against President Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. While Duterte has vehemently denied all allegations, these claims have further poisoned the well of their fractured relationship.
The House vote, which saw 215 out of 306 members support the impeachment complaint—more than double the constitutional threshold—has paved the way for a trial in the Senate. Senate President Francis Escudero has announced that the impeachment court will convene on June 3, 2025, with formal hearings expected to begin in July.
This political showdown has ignited intense debate across the Philippines, highlighting deep-rooted political divides and the often-volatile nature of power struggles among prominent political dynasties. Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has publicly dismissed the impeachment as politically motivated, even controversially stating she “wants a bloodbath” during the trial.
The trial’s outcome holds immense implications for Duterte’s political future. A conviction by a two-thirds majority in the Senate would not only remove her from office but also disqualify her from holding any future public position, potentially ending her highly anticipated bid for the 2028 presidency.