Ask Onix
Impeachment hearings commence in Congress
Public hearings on the impeachment case against Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte began on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in the escalating feud between the country's dominant political dynasties-the Dutertes and the Marcoses.
Allegations and denials
Duterte, 47, faces charges of misusing public funds and issuing threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If convicted, she would be removed from office and barred from future elections. In a written response, she dismissed the proceedings as a politically motivated "fishing expedition."
The vice-president, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has denied all allegations. Her father remains detained at The Hague, where the International Criminal Court is assessing whether to prosecute him for crimes against humanity linked to his controversial "war on drugs."
Collapse of a political alliance
The Duterte-Marcos alliance, forged for the 2022 elections, was once celebrated as a "political dream team" after securing a landslide victory. However, tensions surfaced when Duterte, who holds no official duties beyond succeeding the president, sought the defense secretary role but was instead appointed education secretary.
Her tenure in that position, which lasted two years, is now under scrutiny over allegations of misusing millions of pesos in public funds. Duterte has rejected the accusations as political harassment.
In a late-night livestream in 2024, she made a explosive claim, stating that if she were killed, she had instructed someone to "go kill BBM [Marcos], [First Lady] Liza Araneta, and [House Speaker] Martin Romualdez." The feud intensified in March 2025 when Marcos permitted Interpol to arrest Rodrigo Duterte and transfer him to The Hague.
Legal and political stakes
Under Philippine law, impeachable offenses include culpable violations of the constitution, treason, graft, bribery, and betrayal of public trust. The House of Representatives can impeach officials, but the Senate conducts the trial, requiring a two-thirds majority for conviction.
Duterte was previously impeached in February 2025, but the Supreme Court struck down the case on technical grounds, ruling that multiple impeachment proceedings cannot proceed in a single year. New complaints were filed immediately after the one-year prohibition expired.
The current hearings, led by the House Committee on Justice, will review evidence and Duterte's response. While she has been invited to attend, it remains unclear whether she will participate. If one-third of the House approves the Articles of Impeachment, the case will advance to the Senate for trial.
Historical context and public sentiment
Impeachment trials in the Philippines have often signaled political turmoil. In 2000, President Joseph Estrada's impeachment for corruption led to a military-backed uprising after his lawyers blocked evidence. Since democracy's restoration in 1986, only one impeachment-of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012-has resulted in conviction.
Duterte's political future hinges on the Senate's verdict. A conviction would disqualify her from the 2028 presidential race, where she is currently the frontrunner. A March Pulse Asia poll showed her approval rating at 55%, compared to Marcos's 36%. In the 2025 midterm elections, Duterte's allies outperformed Marcos's, suggesting strong public support.
Analysts warn that prolonged impeachment proceedings, broadcast live, could erode her popularity. However, if she survives, her political influence may grow.
Senate's pivotal role
Unlike House members, who rely on presidential funding, the 24 senators are elected nationally and operate independently. Their diverse allegiances could shape the trial's outcome, making predictions difficult.
The feud between the Dutertes and Marcoses reflects deeper regional divisions. Marcos, representing the Ilocano-speaking north, has framed himself as a leader restoring the country's "golden age" under his father's dictatorship. Duterte, from the Visayan-speaking south, has positioned herself as a champion of marginalized communities, continuing her father's populist legacy.
"What's at stake is power beyond 2028. Both families have mobilized strong regional support, and only one may emerge victorious,"
a political analyst
