MANILA, June 4 (Reuters) – A leading senator in the Philippines has proposed a resolution aimed at dismissing the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to his office’s announcement on Wednesday (Jun 4). This move could enhance her political standing following a contentious fallout with the current president.
In February, the lower house of Congress impeached Duterte, who is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, based on allegations of budget irregularities, accumulation of excessive wealth, and threats to the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the House Speaker.
If found guilty in a Senate trial, Sara Duterte could face a lifetime disqualification from holding office. She has consistently maintained her innocence.
The resolution was put together by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close supporter of Duterte and a former police chief during her father’s presidency from 2016 to 2022, as stated by his office. A source within the Senate, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that the proposal is being shared among senators.
The draft, reviewed by Reuters, argues that the Senate failed to act swiftly on the impeachment articles, leading to the case being “de facto dismissed” because over 100 days have passed since receipt.
At this point, it remains unclear when the resolution will be submitted or the level of support it will garner. If successful, it could heighten the ongoing power struggle between Marcos and former ally Duterte as the 2028 presidential election approaches, a contest Duterte is widely anticipated to enter, given that Marcos can only serve a single term and cannot run again.
This situation is crucial for determining the legacy and future influence of Marcos, who has been engaged in a long-standing effort to protect his family’s reputation against what he describes as false historical narratives regarding the alleged corruption and brutality during his father’s authoritarian regime in the 1970s and 1980s.
