Sara Duterte Impeachment: Philippine politics has entered a fresh storm after the lower house moved to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte for a second time on Monday. The decision comes at a crucial moment as she prepares for a possible presidential run in 2028, intensifying tensions within the country’s top leadership.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives of the Philippines approved new impeachment articles accusing Duterte of corruption, misuse of public funds, bribery, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his close allies.
Who is Sara Duterte?
Sara Duterte, also known as Inday Sara, currently serves as the 15th Vice President of the Philippines. She is the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte and is widely seen as one of the most influential political figures in the country.
Before becoming vice president in 2022, she built her political career in Davao City, where she served multiple terms as mayor between 2010 and 2013 and 2016–2022. She also briefly held the position of Education Secretary from 2022 until her resignation in 2024.
Duterte made history as the first woman elected vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, and she is currently considered a strong contender in the upcoming 2028 presidential race.
Sara Duterte Impeachment: Allegations Behind the Second Move
The latest impeachment complaint raises serious allegations, including alleged financial irregularities involving large private transactions exceeding $110 million. Investigators claim these transactions were flagged by anti-money laundering authorities.
As stated by House member Terry Ridon, one of the complainants, “The scale of these transactions cannot be reasonably explained by lawful income, declared assets, or the businesses and professional activities attributed to the couple.”
The impeachment articles also accuse Duterte of allegedly making assassination threats against President Marcos Jr, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte has repeatedly denied all allegations but has not directly addressed each charge in detail.
Sara Duterte Impeachment: Political Fallout Between Duterte & Marcos Camp
Sara Duterte and President Marcos Jr once ran as allied candidates during the 2022 elections, forming a powerful political partnership. However, the alliance quickly broke down due to internal disagreements, turning into one of the most high-profile political rivalries in recent Philippine history.
An earlier impeachment attempt in 2025 was approved by the House but was later dismissed by the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds, allowing Duterte to remain in office.
Despite mounting pressure, Duterte continues to signal her political ambitions. On May 7, she stated that the outcome of the impeachment process was “written by God.”
What Happens Next in the Sara Duterte Impeachment Process?
The impeachment case will now proceed to the Senate, where it will be tried. A two-thirds vote is required for conviction. If found guilty, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public positions in the Philippines.
The case is expected to significantly shape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election, where Duterte remains a key contender.
