Duterte Impeached

Vice President Sara Duterte of the Philippines was impeached yesterday by the House of Representatives, where 215 of 306 legislators voted against her just weeks before midterm elections. The decision follows allegations that Duterte misused public funds and plotted to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and the lower house speaker. 

Duterte and her father—former President Rodrigo Duterte—have been publicly feuding with Marcos for the past few months. Duterte and her supporters believe the impeachment is an effort to prevent her from running for president in 2028. The vice president will face a trial in the Senate, likely after Congress reconvenes in June. If found guilty, she will be removed from office and could face criminal charges in court. 

Approval ratings for both Duterte and Marcos have dipped in recent months, with critics finding the spectacle distracting from pressing issues in the country, such as poverty and unemployment. See details on the country’s poverty rate here.