Public hearings on the impeachment case against Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte have started in Congress. The impeachment trial is the latest in an explosive feud between the country's two main political dynasties - the Duterte and Marcos families. They formed a powerful political alliance which has since spectacularly unravelled.
Sara Duterte, 47, is accused of misusing public funds and threatening to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If convicted, she will be removed as vice-president and barred from running in elections.
Duterte denied the allegations in a written reply and described the hearings as a political 'fishing expedition'.
Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Marcos initially formed a strong political partnership that clinched a landslide victory in the 2022 elections. However, as they pursued their personal political agendas, their alliance began to fracture.
Amidst this turbulence, the impeachment process commenced, fueled by public dissatisfaction and allegations from various civil society groups. The hearings, which started on 25 March, will scrutinize the evidence against Duterte while her political career hangs in the balance. Depending on the outcome, she could either solidify her position as a formidable contender for the 2028 presidential race or face disqualification from future elections.
The Senate trial that follows could see crucial shifts in power dynamics in the Philippines as both families maneuver for political control in an already volatile environment.
Sara Duterte, 47, is accused of misusing public funds and threatening to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If convicted, she will be removed as vice-president and barred from running in elections.
Duterte denied the allegations in a written reply and described the hearings as a political 'fishing expedition'.
Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Marcos initially formed a strong political partnership that clinched a landslide victory in the 2022 elections. However, as they pursued their personal political agendas, their alliance began to fracture.
Amidst this turbulence, the impeachment process commenced, fueled by public dissatisfaction and allegations from various civil society groups. The hearings, which started on 25 March, will scrutinize the evidence against Duterte while her political career hangs in the balance. Depending on the outcome, she could either solidify her position as a formidable contender for the 2028 presidential race or face disqualification from future elections.
The Senate trial that follows could see crucial shifts in power dynamics in the Philippines as both families maneuver for political control in an already volatile environment.
