Politics
Thousands Rally in Manila Demanding Impeachment of Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte
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Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Manila on Friday, calling for the impeachment of Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte. Protesters carried signs demanding her removal and chanted, “Impeach Sara now!” Police estimated around 4,000 participants, with 7,400 riot officers deployed to maintain order.
This follows a larger rally earlier this month by a conservative group opposing impeachment efforts that began in December. Duterte faces three impeachment complaints alleging misconduct and misuse of millions in government funds during her tenure as education secretary under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
With Congress set to adjourn next week ahead of the May midterm elections, legislators have yet to address the complaints. House of Representatives member Percival Cendana, who supports one of the complaints, urged his colleagues to act swiftly, warning that delays condone “impunity, abuse of power, and harassment” by Duterte.
Impeachment requires support from one-third of House members, followed by a two-thirds Senate vote for removal. “The Filipino people are here, ready to stand for truth and justice. Let’s not fail them,” Cendana said.
However, doubts linger about Congress’s willingness to act before the elections, especially after a pro-Duterte rally drew an estimated 1.5 million supporters. The House Secretary General indicated that lawmakers are awaiting a potential fourth complaint before proceeding.
Duterte, 46, has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Estranged from Marcos but still his constitutional successor, she has publicly clashed with the president, even making threats against him, the first lady, and the House speaker.
In October, Duterte described her relationship with Marcos as “toxic,” admitting she sometimes imagines extreme acts of violence against him. Despite their past unity campaign during the 2022 elections, tensions have escalated.
Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his controversial drug war under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Marcos has dismissed the impeachment efforts as a “storm in a teacup,” urging Congress to focus on its primary duties instead.
Note: This AI-generated summary may contain inaccuracies. For complete context, refer to the full article.
This follows a larger rally earlier this month by a conservative group opposing impeachment efforts that began in December. Duterte faces three impeachment complaints alleging misconduct and misuse of millions in government funds during her tenure as education secretary under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
With Congress set to adjourn next week ahead of the May midterm elections, legislators have yet to address the complaints. House of Representatives member Percival Cendana, who supports one of the complaints, urged his colleagues to act swiftly, warning that delays condone “impunity, abuse of power, and harassment” by Duterte.
Impeachment requires support from one-third of House members, followed by a two-thirds Senate vote for removal. “The Filipino people are here, ready to stand for truth and justice. Let’s not fail them,” Cendana said.
However, doubts linger about Congress’s willingness to act before the elections, especially after a pro-Duterte rally drew an estimated 1.5 million supporters. The House Secretary General indicated that lawmakers are awaiting a potential fourth complaint before proceeding.
Duterte, 46, has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Estranged from Marcos but still his constitutional successor, she has publicly clashed with the president, even making threats against him, the first lady, and the House speaker.
In October, Duterte described her relationship with Marcos as “toxic,” admitting she sometimes imagines extreme acts of violence against him. Despite their past unity campaign during the 2022 elections, tensions have escalated.
Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his controversial drug war under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Marcos has dismissed the impeachment efforts as a “storm in a teacup,” urging Congress to focus on its primary duties instead.
Note: This AI-generated summary may contain inaccuracies. For complete context, refer to the full article.