The Philippines is witnessing escalating political tensions as efforts to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte intensify, coinciding with a controversial national budget that has sparked accusations of unconstitutionality.
One of the most controversial moves of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's administration has been the persistent efforts to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte , a popular figure who garnered more votes than Marcos himself in the 2022 national elections .
While the president publicly dismissed the impeachment calls as a waste of time and harmful to national stability, efforts within and outside Congress persist, seemingly aimed at removing Duterte from office and preventing her from running in the 2028 presidential elections. The implications of these actions are significant. The impeachment moves have undoubtedly strained relations between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties, alienating a substantial portion of Duterte's support base in Mindanao, the Visayas and among overseas Filipino workers. Many who supported the Marcos-Duterte 'UniTeam' in 2022 expected former president Rodrigo Duterte's policies to continue. After all, the elder Duterte took political risks to strengthen ties with the Marcos family, notably by allowing the burial of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. However, this expectation has not materialized.Tensions between the two factions reportedly began in late 2023 and escalated in April 2024, when first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos publicly expressed her personal dislike for Vice President Duterte during an exclusive interview with talk show host Anthony Taberna. She justified her stance by referencing allegations made by ex-president Duterte that Marcos Jr. was a cocaine user. However, her remarks did not sit well with the public, as many viewed them as unbecoming of a first lady who holds no formal government position. Such direct criticism of a sitting vice president by a first lady is rare, even in developed countries. Despite the first lady's remarks, Vice President Duterte initially remained silent, focusing on her role as education secretary then. However, tensions escalated when the government revoked the franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a media outlet closely linked to the Duterte camp. This crackdown coincided with legal actions against SMNI's owner, televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who was accused of sexual harassment. Authorities conducted searches on his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, further fueling speculation that these were politically motivated. During congressional budget hearings, a House of Representatives quad committee — composed mostly of minority floor members — intensely scrutinized the vice president's use of confidential funds, which had been allocated by the Office of the President. While mainstream media provided limited coverage, social media amplified the hearings, particularly when Duterte pointed out that budgetary control ultimately rested with the House speaker and the head of the finance committee. This revelation sparked broader public interest in the national budgeting process and the political dynamics behind it. Adding to the tensions, Congress reopened discussions on former president Duterte's controversial policies, including his war on illegal drugs, alleged extrajudicial killings and connections to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). The ex-president was summoned to a grueling 13-hour congressional hearing, where he addressed these allegations. Rather than diminishing his influence, the hearings appeared to boost his popularity, leading to governance comparisons between his administration and the current one. Duterte supporters saw these actions as politically motivated attacks. The political climate further intensified when the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a powerful bloc-voting religious organization, staged a massive rally on Jan. 13 at Rizal Park, calling for unity and urging President Marcos to honor his commitment to halting the impeachment efforts against the vice president. This demonstration served as a subtle warning to authorities, particularly considering the government's actions against KOJC. On Jan. 31, a separate rally — largely composed of socialist groups — pushed for the younger Duterte's impeachment. However, the House ultimately did not take up the matter, citing other urgent legislative concerns.A major controversy surrounding the 2025 national budget emerged in the last quarter of 2024. After the bicameral committee — made up of members of both the Senate and the House — finalized its review, the budget faced strong criticism for being unconstitutional. Notably, it excluded allocations for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth, drastically reduced the education budget and significantly increased funds for public works. According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, education should receive the highest budgetary priority, with adequate provisions also mandated for health care
Impeachment Philippines Sara Duterte Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Political Dynasties Budget Controversy Philippine Constitution Iglesia Ni Cristo National Elections
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